The Sherburne Music-Theater Society will be presenting "26 Pebbles" by Eric Ulloa at 7 p.m. on June 16 and 17 at the Earlville Opera House. (Submitted photo)

EARLVILLE — Over the last month and a half, Sherburne Music-Theater Society (SMTS) has been hard at work on the heartbreaking and riveting drama "26 Pebbles" by Eric Ulloa.

The small ensemble cast of seven players has been exploring in depth the world of Newtown, Connecticut and the surrounding community in the aftermath of the December 14, 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school, where 20 students and six adults died.

It was 9:35 a.m. when Adam Lanza shot through the front doors of the school armed with a semi-automatic rifle and two semi-automatic pistols, plus several rounds of ammunition. At 9:40 a.m., it was all over. Five minutes, 154 bullets, 26 dead.

On June 16 and 17, SMTS will present “26 Pebbles” by Eric Ulloa at the Earlville Opera House.

”26 Pebbles” tells the story and experiences of the Sandy Hook Community through the eyes of the parents and community members. The playwright, Eric Ulloa, interviewed 60 members of the Newtown, CT community in writing this show, which covers several topics from gun violence to mental illness to school safety. The play avoids taking a hard stance on gun control issues and rather it focuses on a community trying to cope with a tragedy and ends with hopeful messages.

The ensemble cast consists of seven actors who each play two to three characters, based on the people of the Sandy Hook community. The cast is made up of experienced local actors who have approached the play and their characters with thoughtfulness and sensitivity to the subject matter.

“This has been a dream cast to work with and I feel very lucky," said Colleen Law-Tefft, the director of the show and longtime SMTS member. “They have each stepped up to the task of portraying these complex roles and I cannot wait for people to see their performances.”

The cast includes Ron Creighton, Dalton Cross, Lori Crumb, Ben Gorton, Marty Kuhn, Debi Pierce, and Linda Reese.

SMTS is pleased to be performing once again at the Earlville Opera House, 18 East Main St. in Earlville, NY. Tickets are $10 for students/seniors, $15 for adults and are available at the Earlville Opera House (315-691-3550), on their website, and from cast members. Don’t miss this show! June 16 and 17 at 7:00 p.m. Play contains sensitive themes not appropriate for all ages.

“26 Pebbles” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

This event is made possible with public funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by The Earlville Opera House.

Since its official incorporation in 1970, Sherburne Music-Theater Society has become an award-winning community theatre who are dedicated to excellence, while providing an opportunity for talented local thespians and musicians to utilize their skills. They have provided many audiences with memorable performances and statewide recognition. SMTS is a member of the Theatre Association of New York State (TANYS).

For more information, please find us on Facebook or email us at info@sherburnemusictheater.org

-Information provided by SMTS