The Girl, The Grouch and The Goat: A Modern Fable

by Jack Helbig & Mark Hollmann

Directed by John Staniunas
Music Direction by Barbara Puckett
Scenic Design by Mark Reaney
Lighting Design by Robert Figueira
Costume Design by Delores Ringer
Orchestration by Brian Nelson

Kansas Summer Theatre is presenting the world premiere of The Girl, the Grouch and the Goat: A Modern Fable by Jack Helbig and Mark Hollmann, who won a Tony Award in 2002 for penning the music and lyrics for Urinetown.

The musical is set in a small farming village on the outskirts of Athens, Greece. The village is in the grip of a terrible drought so the town's grouchiest, most miserly resident, who owns the town’s only working well, charges ridiculous prices for water. His nemesis sets out to free the town from his stronghold by offering a sacrifice to the gods. But when the Grouch’s daughter and his rival’s son fall in love, their forbidden romance is put through trials until most of those involved find themselves at the bottom of the well.

This retelling of Menander's Dyskolos, the Greek word for grouch, is refreshingly unique with a contemporary and creative score. This family-friendly musical is great fun for all ages.

Ticket Prices

• Public: $16
• Senior Citizens & KU Faculty/Staff: $15
• College & University Students: $10
• Children under 18: $5

Testing the Flying Harness

The Girl is Meghan L. Puhr who plays Myrrhine, the Grouch's daughter. Also pictured is Gail Trottier, Costume Shop Cutter/Draper who adapted the costume to accommodate the flying harness, and Alex Weston, University Theatre Stage Manager, who staged the flying sequences.

Set Renderings by Mark Reaney

Costume Renderings by Delores Ringer