ALLEGHENY TWP, Westmoreland County — “Johnny Appleseed,” a new folk play by Rennick Steele, will open Freeport Theatre Festival’s 26th summer season on Friday.

The play with music will continue Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through July 26. Curtain is at 7 p.m.

The tale begins in 1775 in Leominster, Mass., where Johnny’s father is preparing to go off to fight in the Revolutionary War. It is a time of turbulence and uncertainty.

The story follows the growth and travels of the remarkable young John Chapman (Courtney Riffer), and highlights some of the men and women who shaped his character: his father Nathaniel Chapman (Steve Allias), Gen. James O’Hara, (Dave Ross), John Forrester Young (Alexander Lindsay) and Sally Martin (Sharon Riffer).

Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for senior citizens, and $10 for students.

For reservations and information, call 724-295-1934. Remaining tickets will be available at the box office a half-hour before curtain time.

Shows are at the Steele Farm, 2498 White Cloud Road, two miles south of Freeport off Route 356.