Catch North Stratfield's 'Jack and the Bean' Tonight, Friday

Catch the North Stratfield School Drama Troupe's "far-out" adaptation of "Jack and The Beanstalk" at Fairfield Warde High School tonight at 7 p.m. or at the same time on Friday, March 1.

The modified story, called "Jack and the Bean," is set in the 1970s and features Jack, the "Giant," and a cast that transforms from magical beans into an "eclectic mix of characters all dressed in off-the-hook disco attire," according to the Troupe's press release.

The cast is made up for 78 second, third, fourth and fifth grade students -- and so the need for the big stage in the Fairfield Warde High School auditorium.

Students have dedicated hours of singing, dancing, and rehearsing -- and parents have, too.

A group of parents have been helping build sets and props, organizing costumes, selling tickets, and creating the program. The group is lead by a committee of North Stratfield students including veteran parent Jan Gallati, who has participated in six productions over the years -- and this will be last.

Gallati's co-chairs Susan Buck and and Liz Mafale have put in hundreds hours to make sure everything is "totally groovy" and each child shines, according to the release.

North Stratfield Drama Troupe Director Maria Verderber (known as Maria Vee) is also in her sixth season with the theater group. This year's production is written, directed, and choreographed by Verderber, a professional actress who has performed in regional theaters, off-Broadway, in national tours, and at the Downtown Carbaret Theater in Bridgeport.

"Wherever she goes, she wins the heats of young players and their parents," the troupe said of Verderber in its release.

 Tickets for "Jack and the Bean" are $6 at the door.