Fantasy at Play in "Jack Frost" Production
by KRIS DUDLEY 10/19/1995
The Midwestern Theater Company presents "Jack Frost and the Devil's Pretty Daughter"
When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: The A.D.A.M.S. Theater, 1515 S. Delaware Ave.
Tickets: $5 in advance from Mohawk Music, Eclipse and Marilyn Ihloff Salon, or $6 in advance; for reservations, call 835-7849
If you're looking for something a tad extraordinary in local theater, the Midwestern Theater Company is offering another intriguing show this weekend. "Jack Frost and the Devil's Pretty Daughter" is a fantastic show -- that is, it's full of folklore and fantasy characters.
The Midwestern Theater Company was created by a local playwright, John Cruncleton, specifically to present his plays based on the lore of Green Country and the Ozark region. "The plays I write reflect the literary and cultural traditions of this area -- particularly folklore," Cruncleton said. "Jack Frost" is a dark comedy inspired by Shakespeare's "The Tempest." It tells the tale of a man who fancies himself as the devil and lives in a cemetery with his daughter. When the daughter begins having visions of Jack Frost, her father summons him to the cemetery for an elemental confrontation. The play takes place on Abadon Mountain, the same fictional setting of most of Cruncleton's plays.
Cruncleton is writer, director and star of "Jack Frost," and he's a whopping 21 years old. This is the troupe's second production, too. How does a 21-year-old land his own theater company? "I guess I'm a good hustler," he said.
"I've been fortunate in getting people to listen to me, and I feel quite lucky." The company is still trying to prove itself, he said, and Cruncleton is boosting things as much as he can by having a hand in everything. "It's a little absurd for me to be doing this much, but I like to keep my hand in it for now," Cruncleton said.
"It's tough to direct when you're an actor, too. It's important to keep in mind the concept of what's going on visually because you're not out there watching it." The show has a cast of seven local actors.
Those interested in getting on the theater's mailing list can write to the Midwestern Theater Company at 1428 N. Toledo Ave., Tulsa, Okla. 74115.