BAD SEED

Clayton Community Theatre Presents “Bad Seed”

Maxwell Anderson’s adaptation of William March’s novel about a seemingly sweet, young girl with a deadly secret.

Bad Seed,is a 1954 stage play about a perfectly-dressed, pigtailed eight-year-old cherub named Rhoda with a few nasty habits, like lying, cheating, theft and more. In the course of the story, Rhoda's mother, Christine must come to terms with the fact that her daughter may have murdered a little classmate all because he beat her out for the school's coveted penmanship medal. Rhoda lies and twists the truth even when confronted after her mother discovers the penmanship award hidden away in Rhoda's treasure box. Her mother is forced to face the notion that even in a so-called good family, evil can still grow. And the reason for this evil shocks Christine, for it concerns her own special heritage and sparks a heated debate.

These are the questions that Bad Seed tackles in a frightening and memorable fashion.

Bad Seed’s primary theme deals with the issue of Nature versus Nurture -- examining the question of whether Rhoda’s tendency to criminality is inherited, or is acquired from exposure to an unsavory environment, usually a
dysfunctional community.

The CCT production of BAD SEED is directed by Betsy
Jones and features real life mother and daughter duo Linda Ryan and Kaylee Ryan as Christine Penmark and Rhoda Penmark respectively. Other cast members include
Ann Egenriether, Ethan Jones, Kristy Wehrle Emory, Joe Wegeschiede, Mark Slaten, Archie Coleman, Brad Kinzel, Jim True, and Mary Klein.

Friday and Saturday performances (May 3, 4) begin at 8pm and Sunday's performance (May 5) begins at 2pm.

Tickets are $20 for
adults, $15 for seniors and students. Tickets can be reserved by calling
314-721-9228, via email at tickets@placeseveryone.org or online at www.brownpapertickets.com.