Awesome Children's Theater Presents 'The Titanic'

Awesome Children’s Theater will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic by performing , which opens today (March 8) at Simley Theater in Inver Grove Heights.

“We try to do material that one normally doesn’t expect children to do,” said Rudd Rayfield, the show’s author and director, in reference to ACT.

Rayfield penned The Titanic several years ago in the wake of the widespread popularity of the film, Titanic.

This is ACT’s second incarnation of the show.

Rayfield’s script tells the story of the ship through the eyes of two young boys, 17-year-old Jack Thayer and 6-year-old Douglas Spedden, who are traveling aboard the Titanic in first class. All of Rayfield’s characters are based on actual people who experienced the fateful voyage.

Rayfield drew inspiration for the play from existing works of literature about the Titanic.

“It’s an interesting play,” said 10-year-old Michaela Long, who plays Douglas Spedden’s mother, Daisy.

Long has participated in several ACT productions. ACT provides community theater opportunities for children ages 8-14 in the Inver Grove Heights/South St. Paul area.

The cast of The Titanic includes 29 student actors, which is the largest cast an ACT production has ever had.

“We strive for professional standards, while letting kids be kids,” said Rayfield. “They’re all very talented.”

The Titanic will be performed at 7 p.m. on March 8 and 9 at the theater. Tickets cost $3 in advance and $5 at the door.

To purchase tickets, call 651-306-3633.