Diversity = Strength
Polkadots: the Cool Kids Musical - August 4-7, 6:00 p.m. by Douglas Lyons, Greg Borowski, and Melvin Tunstall, III, directed by Tracey Kempsell. Polkadots follows 8-year-old Lily Polkadot who just moved to the “Squares Only” small town of Rockaway. As the first Polkadot in an all Square school, Lily faces an almost impossible task of gaining acceptance from her peers. From daily bullying, to segregated drinking fountains, Lily’s quest seems hopeless until she meets Sky, a shy Square boy whose curiosity for her unique polka dot skin blooms into an unexpected pal-ship. Inspired by Civil Rights pioneers Ruby Bridges and The Little Rock Nine, Polkadots serves as a colorful history lesson for the world, reminding us that our differences make us awesome, not outcasts. Very family friendly.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - August 4-7, 8:00 p.m. by William Finn & Rachel Sheinkin; directed by Jeanne Gilbert, Caleb Hopper & Judy Harper. An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter, one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box. Rated PG-13 – for adult themes & language.
TeenageMusicals.org
Nathan the Wise, August 11-14, 7:00 p.m. by GE Lessing, directed by Larry & Cheryl Levy. This festival also marks the debut of TMI’s new subsidiary, The Hath Summer Players, named for TMI founders Gerry & Betty Hath. HSP will produce a non-musical play each summer.
The playwright, Lessing, described Nathan as neither a comedy, nor a tragedy, but a “dramatic poem.” The play is a reflection on religious tolerance, and offers a vision of Jews, Christians and Muslims as People of the Book, united by a shared and revered text, mutually respectful, giving one another rich gifts of understanding & friendship. All ages.
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POLKADOTS & SPELLING BEE will be performed outdoors. Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket.
All Shows at:
All Shows at:
All Shows at:
1517 Bayliss St.
All Shows at:
All Shows at:
NATHAN will be performed indoors. Masks will be required for all audience members.
NO TICKETS REQUIRED FOR ANY OF THE THREE SHOWS. GENERAL ADMISSION.
Donations gratefully accepted.