TYA’s `Cool Suit’ heats up the summer starting Aug. 9
It’s hip. It’s hot. Shoo bop do wop. It’s Theater For Young Audiences’ summer musical “Cool Suit” coming to a park or playground near you.
Performances will be held Monday, Aug. 9, at Pigeon River School; Tuesday, Aug. 10, at the Plymouth Arts Center; Wednesday, Aug. 11, at Longfellow School; and Thursday, Aug. 12, at Cedar Grove City Park.
This rock `n’ roll version of the “Emperor’s New Clothes” features a cast of singing and dancing youth and adults directed by Stephanie Gibson. Directors-in-training are Sara Bartol, Julia Heim and Derek Post. Music direction and accompaniment is provided by Connor Giles. Rachel Platz plays percussion, bass, and accompaniment.
The show features eight dance numbers choreographed by Samantha Broghammer, Zia Harriott, and Tadeo Maier. Designer Jon Cook created a whimsical set with assistance from Sara Bartol, Cassie Chrisman, Zia Harriott, Arden Howland, Ben Johnson, Derek and Olivia Post, Hannah Staats, and parents. The cast appears in funky medieval costumes conceived by lead designer Hilary Mayer and her assistants Sara Bartol and Tadeo Maier.
The narrators (Sara Bartol, Julia Heim, Tadeo Maier) tell the story of a clothes-horse emperor (David Wisniewski) who is tricked by rebels masquerading as tailors (Lexie Fortin, Liesl Huber, Janine Moreno, Peyton Picard).
The empress (Hannah Staats), pages (Jessica Hollister, Alexandria Timm, Christy Zimmermann) and royal ministers (Hannah Adams, Maddeline Andrews, Indigo Beilfuss, Bob Staats) don’t know what to make of the emperor’s newly commissioned ensemble.
The tricksters are eventually revealed by children (Emily Raab, Emily Tipton) during the emperor’s parade attended by the townsfolk (Hannah Anhalt, Michelle Arnold, Brianna Chariton, Cassie Chrisman, Alexia Dutton, Carley Lilek, Bethany Meador, Hannah Tousey, Linda Wisniewski).
Sponsored in part by Acuity and the Arts, this 45-minute musical is recommended for the entire family. The free outdoor performances will begin at 6:30 p.m. Patrons should bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on. Rain sites are available.
