CCC opens production of “The Stinky Cheese Man”

By Brittany Russo
CCC Journalism Program

BLACKWOOD – Silly stories, fairytale characters and funny jokes were what you could have seen on Friday in the Dennis Flyer Theater at Camden County College at the opening of The Stinky Cheese Man.

The play, based on the children’s book by Jon Sciesza and Lane Smith, was adapted by John Glore and is about a narrator trying to put on a show about twisted fairy tales. He keeps getting interrupted by the characters in the show and is unable to have it go smoothly. The characters want to make sure they get to tell their story and not have the narrator mess it up.

Will Abbott, a CCC student who attended the play on Friday night, said, “I enjoyed the show greatly. It was well thought out and very cohesive.” He said his favorite part was the twisted tale of the frog and the princess. He added he would recommend the show to both children and adults because it was so relatable.

The cast and crew of The Stinky Cheese Man rehearsed for only one month before putting on the show. Not only did they have to learn lines and put together the show in one month, but they also had to build the set and make costumes and props. That included a set of giant’s legs and arms that played a big role in the show.

Jordan Chester, the stage manager for the production, said about having only one month to put everything together, “It’s a good thing that (it) is less than an hour long. There isn’t so much to rehearse,” although cast and crew members spent many hours preparing the play.

Throughout the show, the story of angry characters and a disappointed narrator continues to be told. More craziness ensues when they wake up the giant, which leads to the narrator facing even more problems. The story comes to an end when each character finally gets to tell their story.

The character The Stinky Cheese Man is a twist on the gingerbread man. He runs around the show stinking up the place because he is made out of moldy cheese.

The Stinky Cheese Man will play in the Dennis Flyer Theater next weekend as well. You can see the show at 7 p.m. Dec. 7, 8 and 9 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 9. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and younger, senior citizens and CCC students with valid ID. Payment must be by cash or check. Cards will not be accepted.