Messiah College department of theatre opens season with collaborative production of Touchstone Theatre’s “The Talisman"

GRANTHAM, Pa. (Sept. 14, 2006) – The Messiah College School of the Arts will present Touchstone Theatre’s production, “The Talisman,” a delicate, yet comical, piece of theatre for youth and families. “The Talisman” tells the story of young Hans Christian Andersen as he leaves home, faces the world and attempts to balance his desire for fame and fortune with his hunger to be an artist. The production has been adapted into a collaborative work by students from Messiah College and an ensemble member from Touchstone Theatre. Performances begin at 7 p.m. on Oct. 5-10 in Miller Auditorium in the Climenhaga Fine Arts Center on the college’s Grantham campus. Tickets cost $5 for students and seniors (55+) and $10 for adults. Group rates and special performances are available. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Messiah College ticket office at (717) 691-6036. Seating is limited.

Director Bill George, a Touchstone Theatre founder and ensemble member, worked with playwright Vicki Haller, also a member of Touchstone Theatre, in creating “The Talisman,” a production that appeals to all audiences, especially children ages 8-15 years old. “Younger children will enjoy the silliness of the actors’ play,” Haller says. “Older youth and adults will appreciate the struggle of Andersen as he transforms from a child to an adult.”

Valerie Rae Smith, chair of the Messiah College theatre department, reflected on the benefits of presenting a collaborative production with Touchstone Theatre. “We invited Touchstone Theatre to work with us because of their dedication to the renewal of theatre as a vital art form. Students are interacting with an internationally-recognized theatre and discovering what it means to create original work.”

Messiah College, a private Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences, enrolls more than 2,800 undergraduate students in 50 majors. Established in 1909, the primary campus is located in Grantham, Pa., near the state capital of Harrisburg. A satellite campus affiliated with Temple University is located in Philadelphia.