Fort Walton Beach High School’s Theatre Troupe 4967 will bring “Jack and the Beanstalk” to the stage in May as the debut production of their new “Literature Alive” program.
- The interactive musical aims to foster a love of reading and storytelling while providing affordable family entertainment. The production is designed primarily for children ages 3-9, though organizers say it will appeal to audiences “from 2 to 92.”
During the 90-minute show, young audience members will participate in the adventure, helping Jack hide from the giant and listening to the harp’s enchanted song. After performances, children can meet characters, take photos and receive signed playbills.
The production holds special significance for the Morse family. Theater teacher Ron Morse originally produced this show through his Razzmatazz Theatre company while living in Germany, where he met his wife. Years later, their son Andy Morse is directing the same show as a high school senior.
- According to information from the American Alliance for Theatre & Education, students who engage with dramatic arts score up to 20% higher in literacy-based assessments.
The student-created production is intended to become an annual tradition in the community.
Performances are scheduled for May 9-11 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on May 12 at 2 p.m. in the Fort Walton Beach High School Auditorium. Tickets cost $2 and are available through GoFan. Okaloosa County School System employees can attend free with a valid badge.
