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Theatre for Young America's 36th Season
Staying true to its roots, Theatre for Young America has chosen a season rich in variety and highlighting some classic children's stories. When selecting the season, Gene Mackey, artistic director of TYA, says they try to offer a variety of experiences. They present musicals, comedies, drama, at least one historical piece and one or two new works.
Theatre for Young America, a Kansas City favorite since 1974, has officially opened its 36th Season. Staying true to its roots, TYA has chosen a season rich in variety and highlighting some classic children's stories. When selecting the season, Gene Mackey, artistic director of TYA, says they try to offer a variety of experiences. They present musicals, comedies, drama, at least one historical piece and one or two new works. The selection team considers varying time periods and different kinds of main characters, including a good mix of boy and girl protagonists.
For example, the musical "Goodnight Moon", currently playing, features a male bunny in a fun and safe setting as he avoid going to bed. In contrast, "The Toughest Kid in the World", in November, is a drama for older students. The show encourages viewers to settle conflict non-violently. Valerie Mackey, Associate Artistic Director for TYA, says age-appropriateness of a play is mainly determined by Education Director, Sheryl Bryant. "There are guidelines," Valerie states, "If a child is in peril then the show is appropriate for 3rd grade and up." The show "Toughest Kid" will travel to Kansas City School districts.
In December, "Madeline's Christmas" reintroduces the beloved little French girl to the TYA stage in this new play adaptation. A different Madeline play was performed ten years and was an audience favorite. "Some schools tend to shy away from ecumenical Christmas plays," explained Valerie Mackey when asked about the non-traditional Christmas show.
"Nate the Great," kid detective, comes to the stage in February. TYA is hoping to do a film noir style performance, complete with saxophone music and a big play on shadows and light. (And they hope to find a talented Avila University student to design sets.) Gene Mackey, who is also adjunct faculty at Avila, enjoys partnering with the University on show designs and allowing their talented students get professional experience.
Next March, Junie B Jones returns to TYA in "Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business". The show was a big hit four years ago, and they've brought back the original Junie to reprise her role. The book features a sassy, smart little girl who learns that her new little brother is pretty cool, and not a monkey at all.
The historical piece this season, "The Monarchs of KC", will be performed in April and May. It works in conjunction with The Negro League Baseball Museum to tell the story of some local baseball legends, including Buck O'Neil and Leroy "Satchel" Page.
Written by Gene Mackey with Music by Danny Cox, the story introduces 18th and Vine District as you've never seen it before. Mackey states, "It was such a potent, lively neighborhood at that time," and recalls Buck O'Neil's quote that, "You couldn't throw a rock without hitting a baseball player or a jazz musician." The play includes the jazz culture of that era, and challenges the prejudice that isolated these great players from other baseball contemporaries.
Finally, "Robin Hood" will be performed in June. When asked what to expect from this particular show, Gene Mackey restated TYA's values. "We are dedicated to telling classic stories classically." There are many versions of Robin Hood, but this one is based on the traditional version and focuses on the historical character. "You want to do the story as it has been handed down... kids relate to an honestly told story."
PREVIEW
Theatre for Young America
36th Season
For tickets call 816-460-2083 or online at www.tya.org
Top photo: Valerie and Gene Mackey
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