A New Musical Take on a Robert Louis Stevenson Classic Debuts in Saranac Lake
“The Wrong Box” blends contemporary sensibilities with classical tomfoolery, sure to entertain Adirondack audiences.
Full of intrigue, mistaken identities, humor and heart, this musicalized reinterpretation of the Robert Louis Stevenson classic, “The Wrong Box” — coauthored with his stepson, Lloyd Osbourne—blends contemporary sensibilities with classic clowning to create a hilarious work of theater sure to amuse North Country audiences.
The classic book from RLS.
This premiere presentation of “The Wrong Box” features a mix of NYC and local professional performers, including Jason Brill, Laura Cetti, Jen Chia, Linnae D'Auria, Hannah Eakin, Molly Heller, Bill McColgan, Brenda McColgan, Tyler Nye, Mukta Phatak and—Sam Balzac, who wrote the music, lyrics and book of the musical.
The play focuses on Morris, who has a lot on his plate. On the one hand, he's swimming in debt, saddled with a dimwitted brother, a useless adopted sister and a befuddled uncle; on the other hand, he stands to inherit a sizeable fortune—should his doddering Uncle Joseph outlive the competition.
The only people who stand in Morris's way? Uncle Masterman, the other surviving competitor, and his unpredictable son, Michael.
Events take a turn for the worse when Joseph appears to drop dead in an unfortunate railway accident.
Robert Louis Stevenson
Will Morris successfully thwart the astute Michael by keeping up the charade that Uncle Joseph is alive?
Can he recover his uncle’s corpse when an unthinkable label mishap sends him the wrong box in the mail?
And what of the bungling Scotland Yard detectives who show up at Morris's doorstep accusing him of a murder he did not commit?
Listen to a recent North Country Public Radio interview with actor, writer and director Sam Balzac, who grew up in the Adirondacks and wrote the music and lyrics for the show. He says the December 9th event is a developmental musical reading, and he’s hoping for audience feedback.
The performance is free. However, to reserve your seat, email or call 518-487-0041.
While you’re in Saranac Lake, enjoy these other nearby venues and attractions.
