5 Great Kids Plays
16-9-12
In our blog posting yesterday we talked about Theatre in Education and why it can be helpful for teachers as a tool. Today I'm going to talk about children's theatre productions and great plays that I wish someone would produce here. Hong Kong has a huge market for parents that are wanting quality productions that are affordable for their whole family to attend. You shouldn't have to pick between something being good or cheap. I believe there can be both. A great way to get both is by doing scripts that are easy to produce, have wonderful messages and have low production costs. I wish all five of these shows would be done here. I think moms and dads would love to take their kids to see them and frankly, I'd go see them as well.
1. The Yellow Boat
By: David Saar
One of the few children's plays nominated for the Pultitzer Prize for Drama. The Yellow Boat is a beautiful story told from the perspective of a child who has pediactric AIDS. Set in the 1980's when several children contracted the illness from blood transfusion, including the author's son. Saar writes a love letter to his son that talks about all the colors of his illness and short life experiences. I have seen several productions of this play and cried every time. It's so sad and wonderful at the same time.
2. Charlotte's Webb
Adaptation: Joseph Robinette
Robinette's adaptation of E.B. White's classic book is a staple in children's theatres around the globe. It's easy to produce and hits all the highlights of the book. It's also a very easy script to do with flexible casting. Only three characters need stay the same, everyone else can play multiple parts which makes it challenging for even adult actors. This book is still a school favorite now a days, meaning that it would be an excellent choice to market to local schools for field trips.
3. The Arkansaw Bear
By: Aurand Harris
The Arkansaw Bear is an award winning play that talks about dealing with a grandparent's death. Talking about subjects like this can sometimes be difficult for parents and teachers. Using theatre as a medium can be a great way to explain tough issues. This play talks about this tough issue better than any of them out there. I would recommend for kids older than eight. Little bitty ones would love the theatricality of it but would probably have a Timothy Green melt down over it.
4. Where the Wild Things Are
By: Maurice Sendak
Sendak adapts his own work for the stage. As much as I hated the movie version of Wild Things, I love the stage version. The stage version integrates puppetry, tribal dance, great costumes and solid acting into it. I love to see how different companies integrate the rumpus into the show. Everyone's versions are so different and yet, so much fun! Requiring one outstanding child to play Max against a cast of adults, it's always a fun show to watch and a family favorite.
5. Harold and the Purple Crayon
Adaptation: Enchantment Theatre Company
Based on the 1955 children's book, it tells the story of Harold who uses his magic crayon to help add magic to his own world. If he wants a moon, he draws one. Using modern technology and the help of the audience, Harold is a fully interactive show that is easy to produce with the help of projector and some imagination. Kids love this show, especially the kindis. I wish someone would produce it locally as the music is great and I think it would be super fun to watch for both kids and adults. Seeing as HK is so technology driven the kids would probably love to use their I-Pads in the audience as part of the show.
Of course, these are just my picks. I'm sure there are other plays people would love to take their kids to. What are your favorites? Share them below in the comment section!
Comments
mike
Miss Nelson is Missing is a great children's play!
20 September 2012