Wiley' Cast to Tour Public Schools

What child hasn't spent at least a little time wide-awake at night wondering if there was a creature under the bed or in the closet? This story is not new. In fact, it is the basis of a Southern folktale, "Wiley and the Hairy Man," collected by the Federal Writers' Project in 1932.

Actors and sign language interpreters from Fairmont State University will perform Susan Zeder's adaptation of this spine tingling tale of survival for school groups in Wallman Hall Theatre on Feb. 26, 27 and 28 and on the road for schools on March 11, 12 and 13 during the cast's spring break.

The tour will include a performance at the West Virginia School of the Deaf and Blind in Romney before moving on to Nicholas County where the cast will perform for Craigsville Elementary, Richwood Middle and Mt. Nebo Elementary schools. Senior theatre major, Sarah Rowan of Morgantown, has created a teacher resource guide to accompany the play that includes pre- and post-performance lesson plans for teachers to use in their classrooms. The guide will be sent to the schools before the performances.

Zachary Masters of Fairmont plays the part of Wiley along with Thomas Cosner of Terra Alta who will sign the part. Mammy is played by Samantha Huffman of Fairmont and signed by Laura Evert of Romney. Michael Vozniak of Fairmont is the voice of the Hairy Man and he will also manipulate the Hairy Man puppet. Jeana M. Barnes of Romney signs for the Hairy Man. Ruth Knapp of Gerrardstown is also a puppeteer for the Hairy Man. Anthony Marchese of Bunker Hill plays Wiley's faithful dog. The chorus serves as Wiley's imagination and is made up of Adam McHenry of Clarksburg, Demian Moneypenny of Salem, Mela Stewart of Morgantown, Jennifer Rinker of Fairmont and Celi Oliveto of Fairmont. The tour manager is Dylan Callery of Morgantown. Patrick Sibbett designed the scenery. Kimberly Higgenbotham designed the costumes, and Jason Young designed the sound.

In the story, Wiley must face his nemesis, the Hairy Man, in order to be free of him. He does so using his wits and his courage with the help of his crafty mother and his trusty dog.

In addition to the school performances, the show is open to the public on Feb. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. For tickets, contact the Masquers Box Office at (304) 367-4240.