Offshoot Productions’ new company-developed play, Tales from Near and Far, debuts on Thursday, April 24, at the Fayette Family YMCA’s Lodge.  Shows at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. feature audience participation, music and comedy as the energetic cast travels around the globe to bring to life stories from many different cultures.

           
Since seating is very limited, early purchase of tickets is strongly recommended.  Admission is $8, with a special $7 ticket for children, full-time students and senior citizens.  Groups of 15 or more may take advantage of the $6 per ticket group rate, which must be arranged and paid in advance. 

           
Last year’s company-developed show, The Fairy Tale Project, was lauded in venues from Buchanan to Jackson.  After the April 24 Fayetteville performances, Tales from Near and Far will also go on the road. 

           
The cast features both familiar and new faces.  Andy Fleming and Paige Steadman have most recently performed in The Fairy Tale Project and Fairy Tales for Grownups, as well as in Offshoot’s Gallery Players improv troupe.  Joining them are Yolanda Hernandez, Amanda Leigh Pickard and Elizabeth Clausen.  Each actor plays multiple roles, with lightning-quick character changes.  Susan M. Steadman, Ph.D., Offshoot’s producing artistic director, serves as director and dramaturg, and Jane B. Kroessig is designing costumes..