LR Playmakers bring “The Turtle of Michigan” to life

For decades, the Lenoir-Rhyne Playmakers have been a staple of the performing arts on campus and in Hickory, with three to four performances each season, including a student showcase. The Playmakers conclude their 2022-2023 season on April 22, teaming up with The Little Read program of the Visiting Writers Series for a stage adaptation of “The Turtle of Michigan” by Naomi Shihab Nye.

“For many years The Little Read did not have Playmakers performances. We decided to include Playmakers as a way of getting non-readers interested in the book,” said Rand Brandes, Ph.D., professor of English and coordinator of the Visiting Writers Series.

The Little Read began in 2006 to support and encourage elementary literacy development by providing meaningful interaction with a nationally recognized children’s author. Over the years the program has provided books to thousands of students throughout Catawba and Alexander Counties.

Theatre faculty member Jonathan Ray, has written and directed the stage adaptations of a few Little Reads, including “The Turtle of Michigan.”  This year’s production is special for him because of the way the novel came to be.

“Naomi Shihab Nye came to visit when her previous book, ‘The Turtle of Oman,’ was chosen for The Little Read — which we also performed. An audience member from LR asked ‘What happens to the characters next?’ Nye said she didn’t know, but she’d thought about writing another book. Then she did. Knowing that LR inspired the sequel, I just knew we had to do this.”

After adapting books several books into productions Ray said, “One of the main things I have learned is that each book requires a different creative process. These books are very comprehensive, so the way I adapt them is unique to the book.”

The Playmakers come from all majors and experience levels, but Ray observed the bond they share with each other and with the work remains a constant. “The Playmakers are like a family. They work hard together but they are always so excited to get to work with a great group of people. I always encourage anyone who is interested in making good theater to join our family.”

Hunter Alltop ’24 is new to the Playmakers this year and feels as if she fits in well already. “This is my first semester with Playmakers and my first play in general with them. I enjoy the sense of community you get from the group and how we figure our way through all the ups and downs.” 

Alltop expressed pride in “The Turtle of Michigan” and encouraged her classmates to support the last Playmakers show of the year. “We worked really hard on it. Plus, there are people from all different majors in the group so it’s always fun seeing someone you know on the stage.”

The final performance of The Little Read: “The Turtle of Michigan” will take place on Saturday, April 22 at noon in P.E. Monroe Auditorium as part of The Little Read Festival. Other events scheduled for that day include a talk and book signing from author Naomi Shihab Nye and awards ceremonies for local public school students. All events are free and open to the public.