Production brings tale to life

Two arts groups are collaborating to bring a children's tale to life this weekend.

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Along with Columbia County Ballet dancers, the Augusta Symphony is presenting Peter and the Wolf at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Augusta State University Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre as part of the group's Family Sun Concert Series.

"It is a family-friendly performance," said Jennifer Witcher, the symphony's director of Education and Outreach.

Columbia County Ballet dancers will perform the roles of Peter and other characters.

"It is such a fun ballet," said Kathleen Jones, co-founder and preballet director of the Martinez ballet studio. "It is a really wonderful opportunity for our dancers to be with live music. That's a real plus."

The story of Peter and the Wolf was written in 1936 by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev about a young boy living with his grandfather in the Russian countryside.

As specific symphony instruments represent each character, Columbia County senior and apprentice company members will perform the roles.

Performers include Matthew Conway, Peter; Jonathan St. Martin, Grandfather; Elizabeth Kenyon, Bird; Melissa Angelo, Duck; Rebecca Moffatt, Cat; George Doss, Wolf; Michael Conway, Michael Viator and Lee Buoy, Hunters; and Haley Bourne, Alyssa Cameron and Virginia Kuzia, Ladies of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Wolves.

"It is so nice for children to witness live dance and live music in one fell swoop," Jones said.