MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance students will present the musical “Jack’s Tale,” the first production of the fall semester and a theatrical experience that will blend myth and history.

“Jack’s Tale” runs Thursday and Friday, Oct. 1-2, at 7:30 p.m. with matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3-4, at 2 p.m. All performances will be held at Tucker Theatre, located at 615 Champion Way.

Tickets are $12 for general admission, $10 for seniors and $6 for children. Tickets can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/4ywlQz2 or at the box office before each performance.

MTSU students, faculty and staff can receive one free ticket at the box office the night of the show with a valid student ID. No late entry will be permitted after the box office closes.

About ‘Jack’s Tale’

Written by Scot Copeland and directed by MTSU Department of Theatre and Dance assistant professor Alicia Fuss, “Jack’s Tale ” is a spirited theatrical journey inspired by the old Irish “Jack legends.” 

Blending myth and history, the play follows a cunning, larger-than-life hero through rugged mountains, Appalachian folklore and sweeping adventure.

“‘Jack’s Tale’ is a bluegrass musical for all ages,” said Fuss. “Characters both show us action and sometimes narrate what they are doing. The audience and actors work together, both bringing their imaginations, to complete the experience. We see Jack match wits with a blue-beard giant and go toe-to-toe with a cunning Old King.”

Both intimate and epic, “Jack’s Tale” is a tribute to courage, heritage, and the enduring power of story. 

“There’s music and magic aplenty, along with a throughline of extraordinary kindness,” said Fuss.   

Student cast

The four-student cast began prepping for this production in August, while the design crew started working in March.

The cast includes:

• Mac Wright, a theatre major from Murfreesboro, as Jack.
• Morgan Conner, a theatre major from Bartlett, as Mama, Blue Beard Giant and Raggedy Bones.
• Claire Lee, an early elementary major from Murfreesboro, as Will, Old Woman and King’s Daughter.
• Harris Thompson, a theatre major from Signal Mountain, as Tom, Beggar and Old King.

— DeAnn Hays ([email protected])