This
page (Page #1) has stories and helpful info from behind the scenes
of ArtReach productions! Push back the curtain and check out
all these great ArtReach titles:
Treasure Island, The Jungle Book,
Wizard of Oz, Sword in the Stone, Alice
in Wonderland, A Thousand Cranes, A
Christmas Carol, Sleepy Hollow, Nutcracker
Prince, Jack in the Beanstalk, Peter
Pan, The Legend of Mulan, Kid Frankenstein,
The Little Mermaid. Don’t forget, a
Teachers Guide will come with your School Play Package and contain
lots more background articles and info about your play!
'Treasure
Island' comes to Elko children's theater group
Elko
Daily Free Press, NV
Featured
Top Story, Editor's Pick
SPRING
CREEK - Occupying a circle of chairs inside the auditorium of Christ
Community Church in Spring Creek, elementary-aged children raised
their voices in excitement as they acted like pirates.
"Elementary-aged
children raised their voices in excitement."
ArtReach's
Musical Treasure Island
- Starlight Productions, Elko NV
The
Starlight Productions children's community theater group is
rehearsing their production of "Treasure
Island." The play, based on the Robert Louis Stevenson
novel, will come to the Elko High School Performing Arts Center on
March 8 at 6 p.m. and March 9 at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are
$10 apiece, with groups of four tickets discounted at $35.
The
theater group is a volunteer-led nonprofit, powered by involvement
from Elko county parents.
Director
Carrie Snyder said her community theater journey began when she
moved to Elko in 2022. "My daughter and my son were in
elementary and the Missoula Theatre Company came to do 'The Little
Mermaid,'" she said.
"Oh,
my gosh, mom, we want to do this again."
ArtReach's
Musical Treasure Island
- Starlight Productions, Elko NV
"If
you're not familiar with it, there's a week we get together and
practice each day and then at the end of the week, they perform and
afterwards my kids were like, 'Oh, my gosh, mom, like we want to do
this again.' And so I went to look to see what was available. No,
there wasn't anything available. And I was like, 'all right, I'll
start something.'"
Also,
Snyder said another goal for the show is to provide children with
wholesome activities and expose them to classic literature.
"Treasure Island" is a story of substance, she said.
"Treasure
Island is a story of substance."
ArtReach's
Musical Treasure Island
- Starlight Productions, Elko NV
According
to Snyder, short attention spans are the main challenge of working
with young actors. Snyder solved this problem by placing games in the
middle of rehearsals, making the process of practicing lines
rewarding. The group even enjoyed a pizza party rehearsal on Feb. 15.
Snyder
said she hopes to fill the Performing Arts Center auditorium.
"These kids have been working so hard," she noted.
KVTA
to present 'The Jungle Book'
in November
ArtReach's
script, Kipling Classic, comes to life with students on stage
Daily
Journal staff report - Kankakee, IL
Kankakee
Valley Theatre Association starts off its new season with the youth
production “The Jungle Book.”
According
to news release from KVTA, “ArtReach’s new script is a
wonderful play adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic, ‘The
Jungle Book,’ which contains stories and poems set in the
jungle of India. It has been the basis for countless popular films,
plays and books and has become a beloved story for young people worldwide.”
"ArtReach's
new script is a wonderful play adaptation of Kipling’s classic."
ArtReach's
The Jungle
Book - Kankakee
Valley Theatre Association, IL
The
jungle is creatively brought to life by the 40 talented cast members
and staff in the KVTA Studios and includes lots of audience
participation to give everyone a taste of jungle life up close.
The
story follows the journey of Mowgli (played by Liam Johnson, of
Bourbonnais), a boy, or “man-cub”, who was raised by a
family of wolves since his birth, but must flee his safety from Shere
Khan, the tiger (played by Lily James, of Kankakee).
Rudyard
Kipling himself (portrayed by Margot Mau-Bridges, of Kankakee) will
share some of his insight and writings, while six unique storytellers
guide the story along (played by Jackson Day, Kylie Viet and Kaitlyn
Kenny, of Bourbonnais; Melaina Hall and Ella Nitschke, of Kankakee;
and Cole Pilbeam, of Manteno).
The
themes of community, working together and freedom are featured
throughout this enchanting story and the cast is rounded out by some
amazing jungle friends: Baloo the bear played by Kiera Jones, of St.
Anne; Bagheera the panther played by Emma Day, of Bourbonnais; Kaa
the snake played by Tatum Kirkland, of Kankakee; Akela the father
wolf portrayed by Andrew Bush, of Bourbonnais.
"Community,
working together & freedom are explored in
this
enchanting story."
ArtReach's
The Jungle
Book - Kankakee
Valley Theatre Association, IL
Raksha
the mother wolf is played by Adrianna Udstuen, of Monee; Gray
Brother played by Austin Lyle, of Bourbonnais; and the wolf cubs
portrayed by Hope Brammer, of Bourbonnais, Audrey McPhail, of
Kankakee, Noah Parpart, of Manteno, and Adelynn Udstuen, of Monee.
Hathi
the elephant is played by Evelin Torres, of Manteno, and the Hathi
Calves are played by Penelope Bentley and Hadley Kirkland, of
Kankakee; Kylie Kothe and Kirby Viet, of Bourbonnais; and Margie
Hess, of New Lenox.
The
Golden Queen monkey is played by Lillian Longtin, of Bourbonnais,
and the other adventurous monkeys are played by Eleanor Guastalli,
Margot Guastalli and Sophie Powell, of Kankakee; and Ashton Lamont,
Kara Settl and Bailey Viet, of Bourbonnais; and Ikki and Chikoo the
scavengers are played by Haley O’Keefe, of Bourbonnais; and Zoey
Christensen, of Kankakee.
"Baloo
the Bear, Hathi
the Elephant and Shere Khan are featured."
ArtReach's
The Jungle
Book - Kankakee
Valley Theatre Association, IL
Additionally,
audience members will see the puppeteer skills of Emily Lyle and
Mary Alice Kunz, of Bourbonnais, as well as Quinlin Kirkland and
Aubrey Wosz, of Kankakee. The cast is complete with Naimah Mans, of
Kankakee, playing the Man-Mother, and Harper Case, also of Kankakee,
portraying both the Man-Father and Chil the vulture.
Led
by Director Paula Sutter and Assistant Director Sharla Ronchetto,
there are three chances to join KVTA in the jungle at the KVTA
Studios 1 Stuart Drive in Kankakee. The performances take place at 2
p.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 19 and 2 p.m. Nov. 20. Tickets are available
online at KVTA.org, by calling the box office at 815-935-8510, or if
any tickets are remaining, they will be available at the door.
Tickets for this production are general admission.
The
Broadway in Bixby Bootcamp presented The
Wizard of Oz with ArtReach in July.
Directed
by Shay Pool, Music Directed by Nicole Brown, and Choreographed by
Toni Ross and Aimey Schmidt.
This
production included young performers from all over Oklahoma in a two
week intensive camp learning the entire show over these two weeks.
The Broadway in Bixby Bootcamp believes in putting the Broadway
experience into every children’s camp they provide, as Broadway
isn’t just about singing, dancing, and acting. It’s about
the magic of the costumes, sets, lighting, etc.
"Socially
distancing
was a challenge, but we did it with flying colors!"
ArtReach's
Wizard of Oz - Bixby Middle School Drama Club - Tulsa, OK
Our
adaptation included 13 of the classic songs with full choreography.
At the end of our two week camp, over 30 kids had the chance to
perform The Wizard of Oz in a two-day run to over 300 people.
Performing this production in a socially distanced way was a
challenge, but we did it with flying colors.
"Over
30 kids had the chance to perform The Wizard of Oz!"
ArtReach's
Wizard of Oz - Bixby Middle School Drama Club - Tulsa, OK
This
cast was simply amazing and created a beautiful show. The Broadway
in Bixby Bootcamp cannot wait to us ArtReach again for their upcoming
children’s theatre camps.
-
Shay Pool (Executive Director)
Sierra
Repertory Theatre weathers loss of income, looks ahead to 2021
season with Sword in
the Stone
STREAMING
JANUARY 2021
Union
Democrat, Sonora CA
Adapted
by Kathryn Schultz Miller, ArtReach Children's Theatre Plays,
Bradenton FL
Directed
by Jerry Lee, Sierra Repertory Theatre, Sonora CA
Sierra
Repertory Theatre is delighted to announce a brand new digital
production of The Sword in the Stone, adapted by Kathryn Schultz
Miller. The magical 45-minute adventure is part of SRT in Schools,
our touring program that brings professional theatre to our county's
schools absolutely free of charge. SRT in Schools and The Sword in
the Stone, are sponsored by Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation, Sonora
Area Foundation and the California Arts Council.
"Merlin,
the winsome wizard of Camelot, guides Arthur..."
ArtReach's Sword
in the Stone performed by Sierra Repertory Theatre, CA
47-minutes,
Recommended for all ages.
Merlin,
the winsome wizard of Camelot, guides Arthur through life's lessons
as the young pupil grapples with sibling rivalry and his desire to be
a knight instead of a measly squire to his big brother Kai. The
45-minute play is packed with comedy, drama and excitement as
students see Arthur become a fish, a bird, battle a dragon and reach
the sword in the stone. In the course of his studies Arthur learned
the meaning of "real magic" and found himself worthy of his
awesome duty.
"We're
streamlining every department, every office every facet of this
theater company so we could just be more efficient," Director
Lee said.
SRT
also remained committed to youth education with their junior students.
"The
arts are so vital in a child's education," Blunt said. "We
felt during this time, we were able to serve our students with
workshops so they could learn and grow in their craft."
"Arthur
found himself worthy of his awesome duty."
ArtReach's Sword
in the Stone performed by Sierra Repertory Theatre, CA
SRT
provided some scholarships to students who could not afford to
participate and offered virtual master classes led by professional
actors for students under 18. The SRT junior students produced a
version of "The Sword and the Stone," which was provided to
area schools free of charge, Blunt said. The educational
projects were paid through a $20,000 grant from the Mary Stuart
Rogers Foundation and the refurbishment projects through donations
from the board of directors.
Esquire
Players production of 'Alice In Wonderland' should be a crowd pleaser
The
Panola Watchman, Carthage TX - By Mike Elswick
The
classic story of "Alice In Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll is
set for performances this Saturday and Sunday by the Esquire Players
on the stage of the historic Esquire Theater.
The
adaptation of the story comes with a big twist in that one of the
characters on stage will be the author, Carroll himself, according to
Cindy Deloney, producer of the production. Performances on both Jan.
21 and 22 include a matinee at 2 p.m. each day and evening
performances at 7 p.m.
"The
story comes with a big twist."
The Esquire Players (TX)
Rehearse - Chevy Chase Elem School (MD)
The Esquire Players production
of “Alice In Wonderland” has a cast of 21, including many
younger actors. It has a crew of six and is being produced by Cindy
Deloney and directed by Michael Powell, who is assisted by Abigail Stockman.
"This
group is amazing," she said. "It's one of the best I've
worked with."
The
production has a cast of 21, including many younger actors, and it
has a crew of six, Deloney said. The adaptation of the comedy by
Kathryn Schultz Miller is geared toward young audiences, she said.
"The
production has a cast of 21, including younger actors."
Chevy Chase Elem School
Students (MD) Perform ArtReach's Alice
in Wonderland
"It's
going to feature all the favorite characters from the original,
including the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, the Caterpillar, the
March Hare and the Queen of Hearts," Deloney said. While the
adaption does not include all the characters from the classic, it
does include those most familiar to readers.
Taking
on the lead role of Alice are Emma Stapleton, 11, and Micaelah
Burns, 13.
"Emma
has been in every production of The Esquire Players, and this is her
first leading role," she said.
In
addition to the production having a role of Lewis Carroll included,
another changes in this adaption is the inclusion of storytellers who
help lead the story.
"One
of the storytellers is Jessica DeJohn, and both she and her husband,
Tony DeJohn, have been in all of our productions," Deloney said.
In the weekend shows, he will play the role of the Mad Hatter.
"The
addition of Lewis Carroll as a character is really fun."
Chevy Chase Elem School
Students (MD) Perform ArtReach's Alice
in Wonderland
Michael
Powell is directing the production, while Abigail Stockman is
assistant director for Alice In Wonderland.
Other
veterans of Esquire Players shows include Chandler Glaze, playing a
pigeon, and Brice Reddell, who takes on the role of the March
Hare. Deloney said she expects the production to be a crowd pleaser.
"It's
just really cute," she said. "The addition of Lewis
Carroll as a character is really fun."
2019
Adelaide Fringe Show Announcement!
Author:
The Gemini Collective, AU - How to fold a Paper Crane tutorial
The
atomic bomb that dropped on Hiroshima changed everything, especially
for 12-year-old Sadako Sasaki. In a concord of contemporary dance and
original music her true story, captured in A
Thousand Cranes play by Kathryn Schultz Miller, lives on.
Following a five-star debut in 2018, The Gemini Collective pay homage
to the girl who sparked a movement of peace.
"These
paper cranes were folded from medicine wrapping paper and other
scraps by Sadako Sasaki, who was hospitalized with Leukemia, causes
by the atomic bombing. In Japan it has long been believed that a wish
would be granted to those who folded a thousand paper cranes. Sadako
folded paper cranes hoping for a cure, but her condition only
worsened. She died after fighting her disease for eight months."
"The
girl who sparked a movement of peace."
Picture
taken from our trip to Japan in August 2017.
If
you have children around Yr 3 age and upwards, we would love for you
to come and see our 2019 Adelaide Fringe performance 'A Thousand
Cranes'. It will be an experience they talk about long after a toy
has been forgotten.
We
are folding 1000 cranes before March 5th 2019, opening night of our
production "A
Thousand Cranes". Follow this link to our YouTube
Channel to watch Sarah fold a Paper Crane and learn how. Let's
get folding!
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCH-X1g3WXY
Fifth-graders
take dramatic step, audition for play
The
Vindicator, Youngstown OH
By
Kristine Gill, AUSTINTOWN
Unease
filled Frank Ohl Intermediate's gym as nervous fifth-graders
auditioned for speaking parts in "A
Christmas Carol," the school's first play.
"Oh
spirits, you have saved me," Sabrina Bliss, 11, read from the
script. "I have time, time to make amends, time to be good and
kind to my fellow man."
Sabrina
is one of more than 90 Frank Ohl fifth-graders participating in the
new drama club this year. Teachers Jeff Swavel and Shelly Culp
decided to start the club last year during some drama exercises they
did in their language-arts classes. "Some of the
lower-performance students just came alive," Swavel said.
Culp noticed the same.
"Some
of the lower-performance students just came alive."
Photo:
Evan Shobel, a fifth-grader and member of the Frank Ohl Intermediate
School Drama Club, reads a part during auditions
for
"A Christmas Carol,"
the school's first play, based on Charles Dickens' famous
story. Photo: Kayla Sahli reads a part
during
her audition. She is one of more than 90 Frank Ohl fifth-graders
participating in the new drama club this year.
"What's
so fun about this is it makes literacy fun for kids," she said,
adding that acting out a play can be a good alternative for students
who don't enjoy sitting down and reading a book.
"It's
kind of like teaching reading through the back door," Culp said.
The
club is free to join, and Principal Dennis Rice used the principal's
fund to pay royalties for the script by Kathryn Schultz Miller.
Swavel said the group will rely on student and teacher donations when
it comes to costumes and props. He said they may have a fundraiser
for their spring play.
The
group meets each Tuesday for 45 minutes after school. Culp and
Swavel had expected a few dozen students to join and were thrilled to
see 90 the first day. Justin
Neff, 10, said he joined because the group sounded fun. He doesn't
mind having to stay after school for practice.
"I
always liked acting," Justin said.
On
Tuesday, students were divided into smaller groups for auditions.
Parts will be announced Thursday, and the play will be performed in December.
"Don't
be afraid to act the part," Swavel reminded students
auditioning Tuesday.
Veronica
Kist, 10, said she was excited to join the club and try out for an
acting part in the play. She said the first opportunity for drama
club doesn't come until seventh grade at Austintown Middle School.
"I'm
happy we don't have to wait until AMS," Veronica said.
Swavel
said the fifth-graders are just as ready and able to act as the
middle-school students and that starting this club was sort of a
reward for them.
"They
kind of feel like they're the top dogs," Swavel said.
Veronica
said she learned a lot when Culp and Swavel acted out a play for
students during their first practice.
"We
have to have expression. You have to act with hand motions. You have
to be your character," Veronica said. "And you don't have
to wear lots of makeup because you're pretty the way you are."
Auditions
went without a hitch Tuesday, except for a few nerves. Culp said one
student in her audition group cried before having to read for a
speaking part. With encouragement from her peers, she was able to
finish the audition.
"That's
what it's about - taking risks, doing things you're afraid to
do," Culp said.
Mexico
High School presents 'The
Legend of Sleepy Hollow' as fall play
By
Brenda Duncan, Syracuse.com
Students
in Mexico High School's Drama Club will perform "The
Legend of Sleepy Hollow," by Kathryn Schultz Miller as
their fall play.
"The
Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is a spooky classic story by
Washington Irving, presented with all the thrills, chills and laughs
that keep young audiences on the edge of their seats.
The
storybook tale revolves around the main characters - the bumbling
schoolteacher Ichabod, the coquettish Katrina and Ichabod's brutish
rival, Brom Bones. There are also several characters who play
storytellers, keeping the action and pace moving throughout.
"It
saves the best for last: the headless horseman."
Mexico High School students
rehearse for "The
Legend of Sleepy Hollow"
which they will perform as
their fall play.
As
much fun as the play presents, it saves the best for last, the ride
of the headless horseman.
Performances
will be 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1 and 2, 2019, in the high
school auditorium, located at 3338 Main St., Mexico, NY 13114.
Tickets
will be $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Advance tickets can be
obtained by contacting the play's director teaching assistant Cassie
Story at [email protected]
Cast:
Ichabod Crane - Devon Thayer, Katrina - Anna Pluff, Brom Bones -
Luke Kinsey, Washington - Colin O'Neill, Irving - Kelly Mason, Peter
- Avery Oakes, Emily - Alli Kerr, Charlotte - Jen, Babcock, Judith -
Olivia Linerode, Meredith - Katelynn Spaulding, Arthur - Grace Mason,
Violet - Lauren Salisbury, Van Ripper - Collin Hatch, Van Tassell -
Alayna Walker, Sleepy Hollow Boys - Sabria Summers, Harmony Schoeder
and Cali Hopp, Tea Time Ladies - Meg Sidoti, Emmalee Walker and
Eileen Bouchard
Curious
about ArtReach's THE
NUTCRACKER PRINCE?
Follow Your
Heart to a Happy Ending!
August 9, 2018
The
Nutcracker Prince is a dramatic adaptation of the story by
E.T.A. Hoffmann's story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.
The story was the basis for the beloved Christmas ballet scored by
Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky that has been delighting children and their
families for decades. Now ArtReach has adapted the story for a
large cast of kids to perform.
As the play begins,
Storytellers welcome the cast to their small village which is
preparing for a very special holiday. It is Christmas and the
snow is falling. Clara and her brother Fritz are having fun
playing with the snow and throwing snowballs when Uncle Drosselmeyer
appears to greet them. He is a kindly and beloved man who
provides them with surprises each Christmas. Back at home,
Clara’s parents are preparing for Christmas Eve. There is
a magnificent tree and also the gift of a magical gingerbread
castle. When Uncle Drosselmeyer shows up he has gifts for the
children. First he gives Fritz a set of toy
soldiers. For Clara, Drosselmeyer has a special Nutcracker
doll. Clara’s cat Shadow is afraid of the doll but Clara
loves it. Fritz tries to crack nuts with the doll and breaks
it. Drosselmeyer assures Clara that the Nutcracker will get
well and puts the doll underneath the tree. Everyone agrees it
has been a lovely Christmas Eve and they all depart for a good
night’s sleep.
"Nutcracker
explains that she has broken his spell."
Bremerton Community Theatre
Jr. Poster - ArtReach's The
Nutcracker Prince
Clara worries about her doll
and creeps downstairs to check on him. She introduces him to
her other dolls, Mother Ginger and Katarina. Before she goes
back to bed, Clara kisses the Nutcracker. Little does she know
that the kiss has broken a spell! The Nutcracker and the dolls
now come to life and we are plunged into the make believe world of
Clara’s dream.
A battalion of ruffian Mice
appears with the mission of finding better food than they are used to
getting in the house. They have set their sights on the
gingerbread castle. The Nutcracker Prince takes charge of the
castle’s defense calling all the toy soldiers to battle.
He dispatches them to the far reaches of the house to defend against
the enemy. Suddenly the Rat King appears and he is surrounded
by his adoring Mice.
The Rat King is determined to
get at the castle but just as he approaches, Nutcracker comes out of
hiding and draws his sword, setting off a battle between the Mice and
the Soldiers. The Rat King is defeated and dies an elaborate
death. The Mice carry him away.
Everyone cheers for Clara and
the Nutcracker explains that she has broken his spell. He
invites her to the wonderful Land of Sweets. Clara and Shadow
join the Nutcracker Prince on a thrilling journey through the castle
doors and on to a land of enchantment.
The Sugar Plum Fairy is
preparing for Clara’s arrival by directing the Snowflakes to
decorate the Land with sugary snow. When she arrives, Clara
sees that everything is made of candy. The Flowers appear and
direct the audience in the art of filling the Land with flowers.
The Sugar Plum Fairy tells Clara that she is now their
Princess. The Nutcracker Prince asks her to stay with them.
Clara
Follows her Heart to a Happy Ending!
Just as Clara is about to
answer, the Mice come marching into the Land of Sweets. The Rat
King appears to them and explains that he was never really dead.
Clara’s cat Shadow has been enjoying her stay in the Land of
Sweets and suddenly confronts the Rat King with a terrifying roar and
hiss! The Rat King did not expect to defend himself from
a cat! Shadow advances on the Rat King and the Mice until she
and the others drive them away.
Everyone cheers for Shadow and
now it is time for Clara to make her decision. Will she stay in
the Land of Sweets forever? Though she loves the
Nutcracker Prince and everyone in the beautiful Land, Clara tells
them that she wants to grow up to be a woman. Therefore, she
must go home. The sadness of her choice causes the dolls and
make-believe characters to go back to the original state as inanimate
toys. Clara calls out for her Nutcracker Prince as the dream
begins to fade and she wakes up.
"Everyone
celebrates
another Christmas Day."
Professional
Production in Finland! Teatteri
Imatra, Imatra Finland
It is Christmas morning and
Uncle Drosselmeyer is there to show her that the Nutcracker doll has
been repaired. Fritz has been imagining a wonderful battle with
his toy soldiers. He describes a battle that sounds a lot like
the one in Clara’s dream. Clara tries to tell the grownups
of her wondrous journey. But no one believes her. She
dances with the Nutcracker and remembers her Prince...
The Storytellers bring us back
to the small village and everyone dances in celebration of another
special Christmas Day.
"The
nutcracker sits under the holiday tree, a guardian of childhood
stories. Feed him walnuts and he will crack open a tale...”
Vera Nazarian
The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration
Jack
and the Beanstalk is Fun with Giants!
Let's Talk About
Famous
Giants
Get your kids talking about
the big stuff! Can they think of any other big
characters/giants in books, movies or TV? Discuss the
personality of the most well-known giants. If you were a giant,
would you be good or bad?
Jack’s
Giant: Often the first concept of a giant children are
exposed to, nearly everyone knows the tale of Jack
and the Beanstalk. The story’s origin is somewhat murky,
with some scholars pointing to early Norse tales. There are dozens of
different versions of the story, but most include Jack climbing a
magic beanstalk to steal golden treasure and, eventually, murder the
giant that lives at the top, thus living happily ever after.
Bigfoot:
The Bigfoot, or the Sasquatch, is an animal which might exist but for
which little to no scientific evidence exists. Described as
‘ape-like’, this ‘missing link’ stands well over
six feet tall, prowling the wilds of America, particularly the
Pacific Northwest. Often the only clue left behind by the Bigfoot are
the enormous impressions of his feet, many of which – if they
are fake – are extremely realistic hoaxes.
Fee!
Fie! Foe! FUN!
Jack
and the Beanstalk - School Play Musical for Children to Perform!
Paul
Bunyan: First documented in the stories bandied
about by French-Canadians, Paul Bunyan is a giant lumberjack. A
larger than life character in the tradition of many such tall tales,
Paul played a role in various creation myths, such as dragging his
axe behind him to cleave out the Grand Canyon. Bunyan is always
accompanied by his pet, a blue ox named Babe, of equal enormity.
Giant statues of Paul and Babe have become a roadside staple in
dozens of towns around America.
Frankenstein:
The monster, which remains nameless throughout Mary Shelley’s
gothic masterpiece, is described as being eight feet tall and clad in
transparent yellow skin, hideous beyond comprehension. Victor
Frankenstein tacks his beast together out of spare parts taken from
graveyards and slaughterhouses, and he is forced to make it huge
because of the inherent difficulty of replicating the tiny, intricate
parts of the human body.
"If
you were a giant, would you be good or bad?"
ArtReach's
Jack and the Beanstalk - Rebels Bluff Youth Theatre, Mt Vernon MO
Jolly
Green Giant: The mascot of the Green Giant vegetable
company (a subsidiary of General Mills), the Jolly Green Giant has
been the subject of innumerable television commercials, concluding
with his trademark "Ho ho ho.” Upon his debut in 1928, the
giant was a stooped, menacing creature, but subsequent versions have
been increasingly genial, adopting a frock of leaves and an always
present grin.
Goliath: Arguably
the most famous of all giants, Goliath was a massive Philistine
warrior who faced off against the Israelite army in the Valley of
Elah. Offering to defeat any Israeli in one-on-one combat, Goliath
was rebuffed, until the challenge was taken up by young David.
Eschewing armor, the smaller combatant knocked Goliath down with a
stone hurled from his sling, securing victory for the Israelites and
proving himself, by his valor and faith in God, to be the one true king.
"Peter
Pan" will fly into Magnolia Arts Center June 23-26
Magnolia
Reporter, AR
Rehearsals
are under way for the Magnolia Arts Center production of "Peter
Pan."
Rehearsal
is the fun part!
ArtReach emphasizes the
process. Have fun!
The
show, Peter Pan, written by
Kathryn Schultz Miller, will be staged at the Arts Center on South
Washington Street at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 23 through Saturday, June
25, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 26. Advance tickets
for the play are $5 for Magnolia Arts members and $7 for the general
public. They are available at Lois Gean's or by calling 870-901-3600.
The
Legend of Mulan: STUDY GUIDE/SYNOPSIS OF THE PLAY
Here is
ArtReach's Version of the Age-Old Legend of Mulan
The
Legend of Mulan is based on an ancient Chinese poem that has
been the inspiration for countless films, books and television
productions around the world. It tells the story of a girl who wishes
to save her father from forced conscription in the Chinese army.
Dressed as a boy, she becomes a distinguished warrior and heroine.
Mulan's spirit of adventure and courage makes it a beloved story for
children everywhere.
The
play begins with the Ancestors of the Fa family describing the
country of China and its philosophy of "Yin and Yang". The
Chinese Emperor is introduced and his assistant Momo instruct all in
this presence to offer "respect and honor". The Emperor
says that he has information that the country will be safe if they
trust in him.
The
Ancestors direct us to a valley where Mulan and her Little Brother
are playing at sword fighting. Mulan is much better than her brother
and dreams that one day she could grow up to be a soldier. Father and
family love her but disapprove of her aspirations and wish that she
conduct herself with more feminine modesty that will lead to
marriage. Though she promises to do better, Mulan asks her father if
her dream will ever come true. Her father promises that it will.
But
war is stirring up in the country and the Emperor issues a decree
that every family must send one adult male to the army. Little
Brother is too young and Father is too old. Mulan begs the family to
let her go but they tell her it is against the law for a girl to
serve. Father is resolved to join, though the prospect of military
life cannot be safe for him since he is in a frail state of health.
Mulan
begs the Fa Ancestors to help her save her father. They tell her
that she must go and introduce her to the rabbit Pika, and the Dragon
Imoogi, who will help her on her journey. Imoogi tests the girl in
martial arts and determines that she is worthy of the task. In the
morning, the Fa family wakes to see that Mulan has taken the horse
and fled to take her place in the army.
Mulan,
with Pika and Imoogi, travel to the Imperial Army camp. Pika
attempts to teach Mulan how to be like a man but Imoogi objects. The
dragon tells her that the way to convey strength is to summon the
spirit of the sword within her own heart.
The
army Captain Cheng attempts to ready his men for war. Momo, the
Emperor's assistant is with Captain Cheng and believes the soldiers
are of poor quality. Captain Cheng says his problem is that there are
not enough men. Mulan introduces herself and shows him her superior
ability to use a sword. She tells him her secret is that she trusts
in her heart as well as her head. Captain Cheng is impressed and asks
her to fight by his side in the coming battle.
"Mulan
returns to her beloved Father & the rest of her family."
Lansing Middle School, "The
Legend of Mulan"
The
Huns are headed by General Lu Bu who believes that Captain Cheng has
secret plans and sends one of his men to discover them. Captain Cheng
has sent Momo with orders to the Emperor to send more troops. The Hun
soldier Yu Fie stops Momo on his journey, takes the orders and
reports back to General Lu Bu. With this information, the Huns now
feel confident that they will win the battle.
But
the Huns had not expected to encounter one such as Mulan (going by
the boy's name Me Lang). Imoogi helps her and the audience conjure a
chaos inducing storm. Captain Cheng despairs and believes the storm
will destroy his battalion's chances. Mulan reminds him to use his
heart. With Mulan's encouragement he wins a sword fight with General
Lu Bu. Then, Mulan commands the army (audience) to rise and raise
their weapons to the Huns, forcing a retreat. Mulan is hailed as a hero.
However,
Captain Cheng has been injured by General Lu Bu's sword. As Mulan
nurses him to health, the Imperial soldiers tell her that she has
been summoned to the Emperor, who wishes to honor her bravery.
Terrified that this event will reveal her secret, Mulan runs away.
At
the golden Imperial Palace the Emperor asks to meet Me Lang but is
told that the heroic soldier will not appear. At last, Mulan does
appear and finally reveals to all that she is not a male soldier
named Me Lang, but a woman named Mulan. Momo insists she be punished,
but the Emperor prefers to honor her anyway. He offers her gifts and
honors but Mulan says she just wants to go home.
After
the painfully long absence, Mulan returns to her beloved Father and
the rest of her family. They are overjoyed to see her again. After
greeting her they ask who is the person standing beside her. It turns
out that Captain Cheng has followed Mulan from the Imperial Palace to
her valley home. He asks her father for permission to marry her but
Mulan says she has made up her mind. Though she respects her father's
wishes this is her own decision. She has decided to marry Captain Cheng.
The
Ancestors welcome the couple into the Fa home and into the family
that they represent. They speak of the Chinese belief in yin and
yang, offering their approval of the couple to be wed.
"The
firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest are near to virtue."
--
Confucius, The Confucian Analects
The
FWSU Story: Arts Abound for BFA 4th and 5th Graders:
BFA
Fairfax Elementary, VT, 4/5 Drama Club Continues to Entertain
Principal
Tom Walsh writes about the spring 4/5 Grade Dramatic Club presentation
Dramatic
Arts at BFA Fairfax continue to grow and thrive. This year our
school has offered four performances that have provided opportunities
for over one hundred students in grades 3-12. This past Tuesday, our
grades Four/Five Drama Club put on two highly entertaining
performances of Kid Frankenstein
for students, parents and staff members.
"Students
have fun and build positive memories."
I
always appreciate the opportunity to watch the expressions and
reactions of audience members as they see their friend, sibling, or
family member shine during the performance. The smiles, laughter and
pride are contagious. It never gets old watching our students take a
risk and discover the enjoyment of performing for others. Most
importantly, students have fun, build positive memories, and foster
the continued desire to participate in theater.
"We
are so fortunate to have a group that value dramatic arts."
I
want to extend a big thank you to Katie Haddock, Juliet King, and
Jennifer, Mark, and Nevan Kalbfleisch for continuing to provide this
opportunity for our students. We are so fortunate to have a dedicated
and committed group of people that value dramatic arts, and offer
these engaging opportunities annually for our students. I appreciate
that our community continues to support local theater and I look
forward to next year's performances.
East
Pointe Drama Club presented The
Little Mermaid
Greenwood
Life, AR
East
Pointe Drama Club presented The
Little Mermaid, Thursday, January 29, at 6:30PM at the Greenwood
High School Performing Arts Center.
The
Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen is a beloved story of a
little mermaid longing to be human. Kathryn Schultz Miller took this
story and transformed it into a play suitable for the youngest cast.
With a grant from the Greenwood Education Foundation, East Pointe
Drama Club auditioned over 90 Kindergarten through 5th grade students
for the play.
Rylee
Trice, a 5th grader in Mrs. Summer Martin's class, enjoyed seeing
how happy everyone was when she performed. In the production of The
Little Mermaid. Complete with cute little jellyfish, adorable sea
creatures, and comical humans.
"I
love drama. It is fun, awesome and cool!"
East Point Drama Club,
Greenwood AR
"Since
the beginning of the school year, over 80 students and dedicated
staff volunteers have practiced tirelessly to provide a quality
show," stated Mr. Mike Dean, East Pointe Elementary Principal.
"It is exciting to see the awesome talent that we have here at
East Pointe Elementary!"
Talk
about talent! Many drama club participates play musical instruments
such as the violin, piano, guitar, and drums. Also, many members take
singing, gymnastic, and dance lessons.
East
Pointe Drama Club is sponsored by Malynda Sayers, Third Grade
Teacher. Volunteers include Stephanie Griffith, Literacy Specialist;
Hilary Huneycutt, First Grade Teacher; Leslie Peresta, Music Teacher;
Rick Clow, Gifted and Talented Teacher; April Norris, East Pointe
Cafeteria; Jessica Cole, University of Arkansas - Fort Smith; and
Natalie Mulvihill, East Hills Middle School.
Lyric
Graves, a 4th grader in Miss Amber Quillman's class, replied, "I
love drama. It is fun, awesome, cool, and super fun."
Proceeds
from the show benefited East Pointe Drama Club and "Pants for Pupils."
