Knoxville Children’s Theatre, in partnership with the Clayton Foundation will present a live production of “HUMPTY DUMPTY IS MISSING!” for their first show of the 2022 season. The play will be performed from January 14 through January 30, Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m.
Humpty-Dumpty Is Missing! is an affectionate spoof of the private-eye thrillers of the 1940s and ‘50s. Sammy Scoop is a private investigator in the tradition of his grandfather, Samuel Shovel and his father, Sam Spade. Sammy faces the biggest challenge of his illustrious career with the sudden fall and disappearance of the jolly Humpty-Dumpty who apparently had no enemies. But Sammy and his sidekick, Alice from Dallas, soon come up with a list of suspects who had motive and, perhaps, opportunity. Mistress Mary, Rip Van Winkle, Henny-Penny, Peter Rabbit and his sisters, Rapunzel and the Handsome Prince (who, because he is a painter, prefers to be called the Artist Formerly Known As the Handsome Prince) are among the many suspects called onto the carpet. A last-minute surprise appearance by two of fairy tales most celebrated characters, Mother Goose and Mother Hubbard, finally help Sammy and Alice nab the culprit.
The play is performed by sixteen talented young actors from ages 9 to 15. Playing the title role of Sammy Scoop is KCT veteran Truman Ball. He will be joined by Annabel Datillo playing Mistress Mary and the Police Chief portrayed by and Nico Ellerbusch. Lily Hungate will portray Flopsy and Rosalie Linnabary portrays Cotton Tail. Hattie Perry will play the role of Alice with Emma Reagan as Rapunzel and Ida Roberson as Little Billy Goat Gruff. The cast also features veterans Macon Sloan as Troll, Ally Summie as Mopsy, Eric Wahl as Peter Rabbit, and Kennedy Welch as Little Bo Peep and Mother Goose. Making their KCT debuts will be Carter Case as the Prince, Turner Duffy as Henry Penny, Jake Javors as Rip Van Winkle, and Ava Reagan in the roles of Little Red and Mother Hubbard.
The show is directed by guest director, Savannah Rootes. The play is designed by student designers from ages 11 to 17. Providing the scenic design is Cooper Delamain and the lighting designer for this production is Ethan Anderson. Conard Belitz will design and build the costumes with assistance by Pressley Rule. The properties mistress is Ellie Etheridge who is assisted by Noe Etheridge. The play’s stage manager is KCT veteran Janie Long and the assistant stage manager is Mara Kate Barker.
KCT is East Tennessee’s leading producer of plays for children and families.
