GULF SHORES, AL —Young Artists Series production of “Ransom of Red Chief” opens April 24 at South Baldwin Community Theatre.

The townspeople of Summit, Alabama are a happy folk whose bliss is marred only by young Johnny Dorset, a “two-legged skyrocket of a kid”whose mischief leaves no one unscathed.

Two con-men kidnap Johnny in order to extort a large ransom from his mother. The scheme soon goes awry: the “supernatural tortures” imposed by Johnny, alias Red Chief, on the two hapless kidnappers wear their patience thin; the townspeople, overjoyed at the boy’s disappearance, refuse to help the sheriff search for him; and the Widow Dorset offers to take the boy off the kidnappers’ hands for a small fee.

When Red Chief captures four friends and brings them to the hideout, the renegades’ resolve is further weakened, and they decide to accept his mother’s generous offer.

The show is based on the short story by O. Henry. It is a musical comedy in two acts by Pam Nagle and George Wingerter, and is produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Englewood, Colo.

The show is directed by Pam Livingston and assistant directed by Jan Hinnen.

Tickets are on sale now. Show dates are April 24-25, May 1-2 at 7:30 p.m. and April 26 and May 3 at 2 p.m.

Two extra shows added on April 30 at 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for students.

Buy your tickets by calling the box office at 251-968-6721 or at theatre location at 2022 W. Second St., Gulf Shores 36542 or online at www.sbct.biz