Mistakes Prove Mouse Only Human
In TheatreSquared’s First Kids’ Show
Last updated Thursday, July 27, 2006 7:54 PM CDT in Entertainment
By Becca Bacon Martin
The Morning News
TheatreSquared, Northwest Arkansas’ newest professional theater company, will open its first show for young fans today. “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse” is based on the popular children’s books by Kevin Henkes, and director Kassie Misiewicz says it is “ideal for audiences ages 3 and up.”
“It is the tale of a little mouse, full of ambition and enthusiasm, who receives an exciting gift but then learns valuable lessons about friendship, family and forgiveness while showing it to her classmates,” says Misiewicz, who is also TheatreSquared’s managing artistic director. “I love the character of Lilly! She has her own unique way of seeing the world and is so human because she makes mistakes and learns from them.”
Performances of “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse” are set for 6:30 p.m. today, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday and again Aug. 4-6 and 11-13 at the Walton Arts Center’s Nadine Baum Studios (505 W. Spring St.) in Fayetteville. Tickets are $8 for children and $12 for adults by calling 571-2728 or visiting www.theatresquared.org.
Misiewicz talks about the show in this Q&A:
Q. How was “Lilly” chosen as the first kids’ show for TheatreSquared?
A: I read Kevin Henkes’ books years ago and fell in love with the character of Lilly. Her spunk, creativity and ability to live life to the fullest were so unique. Not much later, I heard about Kevin Kling’s adaptation being performed in the largest theaters for young audiences all over the United States. When I read the script, I was struck by how smart the writing was and how true to the books and characters he was able to be. TheatreSquared chose this script because it is a great vehicle for the adult performers, and every one of all ages would have a way into the play.
Q. What’s appealing about the plot and characters from a child’s? standpoint — and from an adult’s?
A. Lilly is a typical first-grader. She is an appealing character because she struggles when making friends, takes risks, feels frustrated when a new baby brother comes onto the scene, feels like she is “queen of the world,” disrupts class with her new, fabulous purse, makes a really bad decision, apologizes for her mistake and learns a huge lesson about family and friendship. Young audiences of both genders will see themselves in Lilly, and adults will be reminded what life was like as a 7-year-old.
Q. How has this directing experience surprised/pleased/frustrated you?
A. I always knew that the play was funny and a heart-warming story, but with this incredibly smart cast, I have discovered even more colors and elements in all the characters. David Pickens (Dad) is a founding member of the company and a longtime Equity actor who brings years of experience to his role. Mike Thomas (Mr. Slinger) is a wonderful comedic actor and is an actual teacher. Betsy Jilka (Mom) just graduated with her MFA in acting from the University of Arkansas, and it is a joy to work with her before she moves to New York at the end of August. Jenny Sweeney (Chester) and Jason Engstrom (Wilson) are both getting their MFAs in acting and have a wonderful chemistry as best friends. Tyler Meredith (Lilly) is a very talented actress who I adore as Lilly. Sarah Schultz, Melissa Caffrey, Pete Brooks and Allison Thoma are our young company interns in this production, and they bring a wonderful energy to our cast.
Q. What are the goals and dreams of TheatreSquared as far as children’s programming?
A. Our plays for young audiences are on the same par as our plays for adults. It’s part of our mission. TheatreSquared takes pride in offering audiences of all ages the opportunity to experience their stories on stage, fully produced with the highest quality of script, acting, directing and design. Our shows will always have education/connection opportunities that will bring our audiences deeper into the art, the stories and how we make the magic happen on stage.
We want our audiences to have a full experience when they come see our plays. During “Lilly” audiences can purchase the Kevin Henkes books from our NightBird Books area, draw a memory or feeling in one of our audience “Lightbulb Labs,” purchase a healthy snack, sit on the floor only 2 feet from the action and talk to the actors afterwards during our post-play discussion. During our one-day “Lilly” camps and family workshops, children ages 4-10 years and families will have a VIP pass to go backstage, meet the actors, and experience the story through engaging art and drama activities.
Q. What’s next for TheatreSquared?
A. This November, we will open our next adult performance, “The Last Five Years.” This brilliant new musical from Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown chronicles a young couple’s romance — with a compelling twist. Her story starts at the end of the relationship. His begins on the day they first met.
In February/March 2007, we will launch our statewide tour of “Cyrano,” a smart three-person adaptation for ages 9 and up. Not only will we be traveling all over the state, but also we will be taking the show to elementary, middle and high schools in Northwest Arkansas in addition to public performances. We are excited to partner with the University of Arkansas Literacy Initiative to make this happen.
In May 2007, TheatreSquared brings “The Drawer Boy” to Northwest Arkansas. A contemporary piece by Michael Healey, this beautifully written play won Best Play in the Canadian equivalent to our Tony Awards.
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