THEATRE

When a merry and mysterious stranger appears and offers to rid the otherwise rich and idyllic town of Hamelin of a relentless rat plague for just a hatful of gold, the delighted villagers accept. However, the deal is smothered by petty politics and unrequited love, and the Piper never gets paid. But if you don't pay the Piper, can you call the tune?

The Piper is a vibrant musical adventure, a grim warning and above all, a lustrous fairy tale. Loaded with love, magic and broken promises, this original, student-written folk rock musical will capture young and old alike and will leave its audience educated, entertained and entranced.

The Piper staff and cast will, with help from the Office for the Arts as well as outside professionals from Boston and Broadway, put up a workshop production to prepare the piece for a professional run. Each performance will focus on dramatic readings and presentations of musical numbers.