MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Middle Tennessee State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance students open their fall semester schedule this week with "Jack’s Tale," a bluegrass musical that blends myth and Appalachian folklore.

The production runs Thursday (October 1st) and Friday (October 2nd) at 7:30 p.m., with matinee performances scheduled for Saturday (October 3rd) and Sunday (October 4th) at 2:00 p.m. All shows take place at Tucker Theatre, located at 615 Champion Way on the MTSU campus.

General admission tickets cost $12, senior tickets are $10, and children's tickets are $6. Attendees can purchase tickets online at https://bit.ly/4ywlQz2 or at the box office prior to each show. MTSU students, faculty, and staff can claim one free ticket at the box office the night of the performance by showing a valid student or university ID. Organizers note that late entry is strictly prohibited once the box office closes.

Written by Scot Copeland and directed by assistant professor Alicia Fuss, the story takes inspiration from traditional Irish "Jack legends." The play follows its central character through rugged mountains as he matches wits with a blue-beard giant and an Old King.

"’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."

Preparation for the four-student cast started in August, while the technical design crew began work in March. The cast includes:

• Mac Wright, a theatre major from Murfreesboro, performing as Jack.

• Morgan Conner, a theatre major from Bartlett, performing as Mama, Blue Beard Giant, and Raggedy Bones.

  

• Claire Lee, an early elementary major from Murfreesboro, performing as Will, Old Woman, and King’s Daughter.

• Harris Thompson, a theatre major from Signal Mountain, performing as Tom, Beggar, and Old King.