Families in Kannapolis can once again enjoy the enchantment of storytelling under the night sky with the return of the "Stories Under the Stars" series. An annual favorite, the event is slated to kick off this Saturday, at the Kannapolis Library on Mountain Street. According to the City of Kannapolis' announcement, the gatherings, free to all, are designed to entertain folks of all ages, with no pre-registration necessary, and will begin promptly at 7 p.m.
Up first on the roster, the Children's Theatre of Charlotte is set to present "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs," an imaginative twist on a classic which playfully challenges the audience to consider the wolf's perspective. As the alleged antagonist is put on trial, attendees will concurrently serve as the jury, vested with the power to finally determine his guilt or innocence. "You know the story. Three pigs build houses, the one who builds with bricks avoids the Big Bad Wolf and lives to tell the tale. But is that what really happened, or just porcine propaganda?" teases the event description, as per the City of Kannapolis.
The storytelling journey continues the following month with "A Wild Goose Chase" on May 10. This time, the action shifts to the Swanee Theatre, where shadow puppet master Matt Sandbank is expected to enthrall children and their companions alike. His unique art form promises to bring to life a whimsical universe of dancing pants and guitar-strumming grandmothers.
In June, virtuoso storyteller Donna Washington will take to the stage. Washington, an author and accomplished spinner of yarns, is known to skillfully embody a vast array of characters drawn from an eclectic mix of traditional folklore, personal anecdotes, and literary classics. "Donna Washington is an author and award-winning storyteller of folklore, literary tales and personal narratives. You will be spellbound as she transforms herself into dozens of characters!" says the City of Kannapolis' announcement. Her performance is penciled in for June 14, back at the library venue.
The series continues to delight with Tracy Crotts and Sugar, a Chinese Crested dog with an apparently incredible knack for storytelling and tricks. The dynamic duo is set to take the stage on July 19, offering a display that's certain to be as educational as it is entertaining. Two weeks later, on August 2, Shakespeare aficionados and novices alike will have the chance to enjoy an interactive production of "As You Like It" courtesy of Shepherd Shakespeare. This energetic adaptation will lure the audience from the Duke’s castle to the vibrant Forest of Arden, unwinding a tale rife with confusion, physical comedy, and some of the Bard's most memorable dialogues.
These family-friendly evenings provide not only entertainment but also a connective tissue weaving through the community, beckoning residents under the celestial canopy to celebrate stories, the stage, and shared experiences. The library will serve as the venue for most of the events, save for the one exception at the Swanee Theatre. For more information about specific performances and locations, visit the city's official announcement.
