The curtain has closed on another stage production at the Park Theater with a successful run of the Brothers Grimm classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” finishing on Saturday. The show featured approximately 45 cast members, with some playing dual roles.
The presentations were directed and produced by Logan Taylor, who made the decision to join the cast of actors in this play. He portrayed the queen who was obsessed with holding on to her beauty and making princess Snow White miserable.
 “I always use the term ‘the show must go on’ and we didn’t have the cast set two weeks ago,” said Taylor. “I felt something was off, so we decided to make some changes. This was different from anything we had ever done before, and it was very professional.”
He is especially proud of the actors, and grateful to the many volunteers and parents who assist in making it successful. The set alone took 100 hours of labor to complete, with the actors logging more than 200 hours of rehearsal.
“My cast, the majority of them are new to theater, with only one professional actor. It was a challenge,” said Taylor. “It is great to work with the kids, and they have grown so much during this production.”
The Brothers Grimm version of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” is a little different than the Disney one, but featured a princess, Prince Charming and some evil elements to add interest.
Warren County High School senior Ella Hale experienced her first lead role as Snow White, saying she only had positive experiences during the run.
“I just love the theater, and it was so much fun working with everyone,” said Hale. “It was fun to play a princess, even though some of the songs were perplexing and a challenge to learn.”
Actor Rachel Masters exhibited a masterful creation of the crone, or witch, bringing a frightful and comical element to the stage. She endured hours of makeup sessions transforming her lovely face to that of an ugly witch complete with a large warted nose.  She has been performing on stage for eight years, and enjoys the roles that involve singing. It was surprising when she broke into song and dance with the princess while tempting her with a poisonous apple, going from scary to comical in the blink of an eye.
“I got to sing as the crone, and had a few jazz dance moves,” said Masters. “I do love to be on stage and to sing, and apparently I’m funny, as I heard the audience laugh a lot.”
The historic Park Theater was originally opened in 1939, closed in 1986 and remained closed until a revitalization project developed. Today the historic downtown landmark is owned by the city of McMinnville and provides the community with quality entertainment options. 
Theater guest Betty Boyd said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed the productions at the Park Theater. It is a wonderful asset to our community to have a facility of this caliber in McMinnville.
Boyd was especially happy to watch her granddaughter, Karigan Smith, portray Spritely the dwarf, and marveled at how talented the young actors are.
“I am so proud of all of them, of Logan and his staff, and happy our youth have such a wonderful opportunity,” said Boyd.