The Jefferson Performing Arts Society along with The Temple Theater for the Performing Arts is presenting a gift to Meridian on Sunday.  

    The gift is free admission to the Sunday, April 22 presentation of the musical, “How I Became a Pirate.” The show starts at 2 p.m.

    Originally ticket prices were listed for the show in news articles and advertising. Previous JPAS shows staged at the Temple have included “Hairspray,” “The Bikinis,” “Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood,” “The Sound Of Music,” and “Fiddler On The Roof.”

    Sunday’s free showing is a way for JPAS and the Temple to thank the patrons in the Meridian area that have supported their season of productions. Furthermore, this free show is a part of the community’s observance of National Arts Advocacy Week.

    “We’re pleased to take this opportunity to give back to the community. Maestro Dennis Assaf and the entire JPAS team have been delightful to work with and we’re pleased to partner with them,” Temple Theater General Manager Roger Smith said.

    In this new musical based on the acclaimed children’s book of the same name, join young Jeremy Jacob, Captain Braid Beard and his kooky band of pirates as you learn the ins and outs of a pirates life.

    Kris Shaw directs with choreography by Christina Tichenor, and scenic design (including an on stage pirate ship) by Edward R. Cox. Costume design is by Adam Alonso.

    “How I Became A Pirate” Chris Marroy, Sawyer Nunes, Aaron Richert, Jeffrey Lockhart, Daniel Lund IV, Allee Peck, Price Provenzano, Anna Toujas Rosenberg, Frank Von Hoven and Katie Peck.

    This first season on stage at the Temple was an experiment for JPAS, to see if there is sufficient interest to continue the program. Maestro Assaf said: “We hope folks come out in large numbers Sunday. The amount of local attendance we have will be an indication of the level of support we can expect in the future.”