GREENUP — There is a mystery within a drama in Greenup County.

A production of “The Needle’s Eye,” a stage play with music based on the Jesse Stuart novel “The Thread That Runs So True,” scheduled to be presented Thursday at  John P. Stephens Cultural Arts Center in Raceland, was written by Lynn Schoenfeld, a writer about whom nothing is known, Anne Stephens, cultural arts director at John P. Stephens Cultural Arts Center, said.

“Our research has not given us any information on Lynn Schoenfeld,” she said. “The original script that was in the (Jesse Stuart) Foundation's possession was her work, but we can't find any history on her or even if she is still alive. We welcome any information about her or her family.”

Stephens said there were lyrics written into the script, but no score, so when the show premiered lastl year, local musician Tom Stephens was commissioned to write the music and direct the orchestra.

“He did a wonderful job using the existing lyrics and writing music that sounds like something you have heard before in the history of Appalachian folk music,” she said. “We are very proud of the representation of Greenup County that this show presents to all audiences.”

The story is about Stuart’s struggles as a young teacher trying to make a living and influence students in a positive way, following Stuart from his first job teaching at Lonesome Valley School to his position as superintendent at Greenwood County.

Presented by the University of Kentucky, Greenup County Extension Arts Council, the Jesse Stuart Foundation, Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and the John P. Stephens Cultural Arts Center, “The Needle’s Eye” is directed by Carol Spence, a retired English and drama teacher who volunteers with the extension arts council. Co-director is Blaine Roberts, who also portrays Stuart, as he did in last year’s show.

“Blaine has been a part of this endeavor since 2008, when he played the part of Shan,  the young boy in ‘A Penny's Worth of Character,’ Stephens said. “As co-director this year, Blaine shows his maturity and skill in the world of thearter and we are proud to have him as part of this show.”

This is the second year for the show, which is part of the goal of the office of Greenup County’s first fine arts agent, Cora Hughes, who hoped to see three Jesse Stuart dramatic productions offered in the county that would combine mnusic with Stuart stories and presented to local students at to the public. The first show was “A Penny’s Worth of Character.” Next year, Stephens said the plan is to add a third show and rotate shows yearly so all students in fourth, fifth and sixth grades will have a chance to see all three shows.

“This is a great opportunity for students to experience their own local cultural heritage in a fun and entertaining way,” Stephen said.

“The Needle’s Eye,” a dramatic production with music adapted from the Jesse Stuart book “The Thread That Runs So True,” will be presented at 7 p.m. Thursdsay at John P. Stephens Cultural Arts Center in Raceland. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for students and free to  preschool-age children. For more information, call the Greenup County Extension Office at (606) 836-0201.

LEE WARD can be reached at lward@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2661.