The Ransom of Red Chief Premieres This Week

The hottest ticket in Boston’s MetroWest is on sale now.  Families are in for a treat this week, when “The Ransom of Red Chief” opens at the Prana Studio in Holliston.

A hilarious show for the whole family, “The Ransom of Red Chief” is the delightfully entertaining adaptation of O. Henry's famous story of the kidnapped little boy, "Red Chief," who is such a holy terror that the question soon becomes, “Will Red's uncle pay to get him back?  Or will the bumbling kidnappers have to pay to get rid of him?”

Presented by Prana Productions, metrowest’s nonprofit community youth theatre company, the show is distinguished by its unforgettable characters, portrayed by students from multiple communities.  Red Chief stars Matthew O’Leary as the high spirited Red Chief, and is directed by Holliston’s own Julie Murphy and student director, Caitlyn Murphy.

Pictured here: Bumbling Kidnappers, (Tim Carrell, as Bill Driscoll and Josh Taylor as Sam Blake).

The cast includes:

- Kyra Allen as Jane Chandler, Ebenezer Dorset’s sister

- Ashley Arnold as Miss Russell, neighborhood bird watcher

- Tim Carrell, as Bill Driscoll, kidnapper

- April Federico as Mrs. Rudge, the Dorsets’ long-suffering housekeeper

- Maggie Martin as Ellie, Jane’s daughter

- Amber Mitchell as Abigail, Jane’s daughter, and Mary Alice, a neighborhood child

- Abbie O’Leary as Susan, Jane’s daughter and Mrs. Miller, Mary Alice’s mother

- Matthew O’Leary as Red Chief (Johnny), an energetic boy who is thrilled to be kidnapped

- Kendra Pantolone as Miss Oliver, a neighborhood bird watcher

- Lucas Pocher, as Constable Jones, the neighborhood policeman

- Ben Rutberg, as Ebenizer Dorset, Red’s wealthy uncle

- Josh Taylor as Sam Blake, a bumbling kidnapper

“If you liked Home Alone, you’ll love Red Chief,” said Roberta Weiner, director of Prana Productions.  “The kids, the characters, the costumes and the set – they are all so much fun -- we can’t wait for opening night!”

Shows are Thursday, 1/26, at 7:00 p.m.; Friday, 1/27, at 7:00; and two shows on Saturday, 1/28, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and tickets are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for children under 15, and available at www.pranacenter.com or Coffee Haven in Holliston.

Performance will be held at the Prana Center’s studio.  A uniquely intimate, cabaret-style venue, the Prana Studio is located at 21 Charles Street in Holliston, MA and offers ample free parking.

About Prana Productions and the Prana Center

Prana Productions (a Massachusetts nonprofit corporation) was established to promote youth theatre in a safe environment, where kids can take risks without fear of ridicule or failure.  Students build their acting skills while increasing their self-esteem, comfort with public speaking, and much more.  Our productions bring this philosophy into public view.  Each show is carefully chosen to provide a positive, community-building experience to participants and audiences alike.

Based in Holliston, Prana serves communities throughout the metrowest region including Ashland, Dover, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Milford, Natick, and Sherborn.  For more information about this production and our other programs, please visit http://www.pranacenter.com or call (508) 429-3470.