Behind the Scenes of Cinderella at The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis

Quote of the Day:  The secret to humor is surprise. Aristotle

Words of wisdom, Aristotle. When I read that, I nodded, Yes! My kids think it's hilarious to catch me off guard, when I'm doing something noisy and mundane like drying my hair. They walk into the bathroom, and just as I turn off the dryer, they say, "Hi, Mom!" I shriek. The boys laughs. I check my blood pressure, and we all relive the moment doubled over with laughter.

That's what it's like to watch the comedy on stage at The Children's Theatre. We were invited to a sneak peak and behind-the-scenes tour of Cinderella (playing at CTC through Jan. 5, 2014) where we were treated to rehearsal of the clogging scene and the breakfast scene.

The clogging competition happens during the family party.

The boys and girls are trying to out-clog each other.

Then, Josephine steals the show as she kicks up her heals.

I noticed the technician checking the dancers' shoes.

The Director, Peter Brosius, pointed out that they had tiny microphones taped to the shoes so the audience could better hear the tapping.

It was fun to sit up front at be allowed to capture their facial expressions with my camera.

From the word, "Go," they were in character.

Victor Zupanc, music director extraordinaire, popped his head out of the pit.

Traci Allen as Cinderella, Dean Holt as Pearl, Autumn Ness as the Wicked Stepmother, and Reed Sigmund as Dorcas, four of the five company members at CTC. Gerald Drake is the fifth member of the company. He's been with The Children's theatre for 43 years. Traci Allen just came on board this year. Although we saw her in Lizzie Bright, Spring of 2012. The comedic play between these actors is amazing. How fun it must be to work with someone for years and to be able to so easily play off each other. 

Then, treat of all treats, we watched the breakfast scene with the nasty step-sisters and wicked step-mother. Cinderella is scurrying around at each command. Everything is choreographed to the second. Who knew that it takes hours of rehearsal to look so spontaneous and surprising?!

The director giving last minute notes.

Autumn Ness and Traci Allen, an adorable pair.

Autumn Ness working her magic!

She pulled Krista up for a bit on flirting during the rehearsal.

Pearl, giving Krista "the look."

The surprises kept us guessing, and laughing!

Look out, Lady Gaga, Virginia's got your house dress!

Lookin' lovely and makin' wishes.

Some playful interactions.

Dean Holt and Autumn Ness explaining how fun it is to have kids in the audience. 

Now, there are your surprises!

Traci Allen took a break from rehearsal and posed with the girls.

Children's Theatre Director Peter C. Brosius and Mary Aalgaard

Sherry Ward, PR for the Children's Theater, Mary Aalgaard and the girls.

Thanks for the inviting us to the show, and for the sneak peak and behind-the-scenes tour.

We had a blast!!!

Leah and Rebekah waiting for Cinderella.

Krista and the girls

The behind-the-scenes tour was a special blogger event. I feel so honored to be online media for the Children's Theatre, other metro theatres, and local events. What a great way to promote the arts and be part of many wonderful productions and events. Like Cinderella, we can all live the dream by stretching just a little further beyond our comfort zones and believing.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Describe one of your best days, ever!

Review of Cinderella at The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis

Quote of the Day:  Did you know there are more than 1500 versions of "Cinderella" from all over the world? The origins of the story date back to the ninth century China! The modern version, written Charles Perrault, is over three hundred years old! What all these stories have in common are the essential qualities in CTC's production as well, that whatever its title, "Cinderella" is a story of hope, redemption, and perseverance. excerpt from the program of the Children's Theatre Company production of Cinderella.

The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, under the direction of Peter C. Brosius, is definitely putting its own unique spin on this classic tale. Their production of Cinderella is filled with over the top humor, slapstick, physical humor, modern pop culture references, and audience participation. This is not your typical Disney-style princess show. This Cinderella, and her hilarious step-sisters and mother, entertains girls and boys of all ages. The audience was roaring with laughter, shouting, standing up, and sitting back breathless from the beauty and pacing. Bravo, cast and crew! Don't leave your boys at home, they will be hooting and hollering at Dean Holt and Reed Sigmund, who play the stepsisters, Autumn Ness as the wicked Stepmother, and a large ensemble cast of dancers with high energy, gorgeous costumes, and a fascinating set.  I'll let the photos, taken by Dan Norman of CTC, illustrate.

Traci Allen as Cinderella

Can a poor, orphaned girl really dare to dream of beautiful dances and magical nights?

What happens when she tries on the slipper?

Dean Holt as Pearl, Reed Sigmund as Dorcas, and Autumn Ness as the Stepmother

Who might try to get in the way of Cinderella's happiness?

Nathan Barlow as the Prince

Everyone wants a piece of the Prince!

Traci Allen and Nathan Barlow

Dreams really do come true.

Magic, dreams, sparkles, and help from your friends, what more does a girl need to feel loved?

The Children's Theatre Company makes this a holiday show with the addition of a family gathering, storytelling, dancing, and holiday songs. Victor Zupanc, musical director, adds some original music and modern songs to Cinderella. I think he's the hardest working person in the the entertainment industry. I've seen his name in several places and admire his excellent work.

Cinderella is playing at the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, November 12, 2013 - January 5, 2014. Call or stop by the box office on Sundays at noon if you'd like to try to get $10 tickets for the shows in the upcoming week. Each show has a few $10 seats available. Otherwise, call or visit their website. 612-874-0400. 

I'll post about our behind-the-scenes experience at the Children's Theatre Company later. My friend Krista and her daughters accompanied me and I was able to take some fantastic photos and learn more about the art of making theatre. It was one of the best days EVER! 

Traci Allen (Cinderella) with Rebekah and Leah

Also, I have a pair of tickets to give away for Cinderella, Thursday, November 21, 7:00 pm. Leave a comment here with your email, or leave a comment on facebook, or email me at mary.aalgaard@yahoo.com with subject line: glass slipper, if you'd like to be included in the drawing. I'll close the offer on Monday, 11/18/2013 at noon and announce the winners. I'll also email the winners.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Have you ever been on a behind the scenes tour? What did you do? Where would you like to go behind the scenes?

Cinderella Ticket Giveaway for The Children's Theatre in Minneapolis

Quote of the Day:  Today is National "I love to write" day!

Whoo Hoo. It's my new favorite day. Raise your hand if you love to write! Ok. Put them down now and get busy. I'm pleased to report that I pumped out a few more pages in my newest play. A new character literally knocked on the door and entered. Very nice. And, today, I get to go to the Children's Theatre in Minneapolis to see Cinderella. Not only that, but they invited press to come to a preview, meet the cast and get a backstage tour. Come back tomorrow to see who accompanied me and to read the review!

Reed Sigmund as Dorcas

Dean Holt as Pearl

And Traci Allen as the stunning Cinderella!

photo by Dan Norman, Children's Theatre Company

I am giving away one pair of tickets for the 7:00 performance of Cinderella on November 21, 2013. Please, leave a comment with your email here or on facebook, or email me at mary.aalgaard@yahoo.com with subject line "glass slipper." For tickets and showtimes go to the Children's Theatre website or call 612-874-0400. The Children's Theatre offers a limited number of $10 seats for each show. Call or stop by their ticket office on Sundays for the $10 tickets for any show that week.

Okay, I'm off to the show. See you tomorrow. Go out and do something fun this weekend. I'll be going to the theatre, then a high school football game at the Dome on Saturday, Go Warriors, and another show on Sunday at Pequot Lakes. They're doing Oliver! Excited to see my sister Joy perform in this one. Go to GLAPA for more info. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  What are your plans for the weekend?

The Arts are Alive!

Quote of the Day:  You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children. Madeleine L'Engle, author of A Wrinkle in Time. Her book was rejected 26 times before it was published, according to this blogpost.

This morning, as I was doing my daily reading online, I came across a post on The Guardian about Children's Theatre, written by Lyn Gardner. She is quoting her own speech about the lack of press and respect given to children's literature and theatres. She says that some people will ask her when she plans to write a "grown-up" book or play. She says that the UK is one of the leading countries for pushing the arts out of public education and over-emphasizing test scores, particularly in maths and technology. The US must be a close second. 

Many of you readers are also writers for children: picture books, middle grade, young adult, and children's theatre. You know the importance of writing for the younger audience. You also know how scary it is, because they'll see through your false voices. They won't put up with your preaching. You'd better be a good storyteller, tell it with truth, and give them real characters with real problems that they can relate to. From historical fiction to sci-fi, kids want stories that captivate their imaginations and characters they can root for. 

As I said in my recent review of The Wong Kids at The Children's Theatre in Minneapolis, teenage boys are a tough audience. They won't spare your feelings. They have many distractions and sharp minds. And, girls have such diverse interests, you can't even label what they'll pick up or be drawn to. I'm a piano teacher, and I often have siblings waiting for each other. Whenever they have a book along, I ask, "What are you reading?" They've brought in everything from "The Princess Diaries" to "The Graveyard Book," and everything in between. I've gotten some great recommendations from them!

As public schools are pushing out the arts, they're losing out on the love of learning. They are further institutionalizing education and squelching creativity. Kids, and adults, need space to set their imaginations on fire. The arts give us a chance to feel valued, to create and connect. In a recent article that I did for our school district magazine, I interviewed the high school band, orchestra, and choir instructors. They are an amazing group of teachers. They influence the lives of hundreds of kids every day. They give them something to look forward to from rehearsals that don't feel like desk work to band trips across the country. They are part of a group that works in cooperation, not competition. To read the article, go to The Brainerd Dispatch and look for We Are 181 magazine, Fall 2013 edition (the most recent one was not yet up on their website). 

You can keep the arts alive. I'm talking to you grown-ups. Show your kids that creating art, making music, and attending live performances are all important and life-giving activities. And, that they don't die once you hit adulthood. My teenage boys might not have been excited to visit the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, but I think they'll admit it was a fun day. They experienced new things, ate at a fun restaurant, and saw a live performance. We had a great time together.

Here are a few pics from our trip to the metro.

We ate at a restaurant with an old sci-fi movie theme, called The Bad Waitress.

We had the Falcon table.

Old movie posters and good food.

I said to my twins, "Go stand in front of the portrait of the twins."

They were so thrilled! Ha!

Sometimes, they stopped to examine the paintings.

Sometimes, they took a glance and walked on by.

I snapped one quick pic of them all together.

Most of the time, we were scattered about.

Eric said, "This is one big maze!"

Go. Create. Inspire!

And, enjoy the arts. Remember, the arts are life-giving. When we spend time in our creative world, we are re-creating our lives.

Journaling Prompt:  What is a story or art experience you remember from your youth?

Review of Charlotte's Web at the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis

Quote of the Day:  Old age is a special problem for me because I've never been able to shed the mental image I have of myself - a lad of about 19. E.B. White, author of the classic children's book, Charlotte's Web, Adapted for the stage by Joseph Robinette, Directed by Greg Banks, and performed by The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN, September 17 - October 27, 2013.

Photos by Dan Norman

Ethan Davenport (Wilbur), Gerald Drake (Homer Zuckerman), and Brant Miller (Lurvy)

Charlotte's Web at The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN

Emma Thvedt as Fern

The amazing Joanna Harmon as Charlotte. 

She was acrobatic in her web spinning, stunning!

Like the gifted author, E.B. White, I also maintain my childlike sense of wonder, especially at the theatre. Sometimes, I get so caught up in the show, that I forget I'm there to view and review. Then, I get lost again, accepting that mesmerized moment will come back as I type my review. I don't think I'm the only adult who laughed and giggle, sighed and cried along with the children as we watched the stunning performance of Charlotte's Web at the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis.

Charlotte's Web is one of the most loved stories of all time. The characters are delightful, and the story endearing. My favorites have always been those silly gooses who say everything three times. And, the show really was terrific, terrific, terrific. The actors take on the movements of the animals they portray and give them life. Joanna Harmon's portrayal of Charlotte is breathtaking. She makes her entrance from above and descends the rafters of the barn. I gasped in awe, and Erin, who was sitting next to me said, "I want to play Charlotte." A girl after my own heart. However, you can't be afraid of heights to play Charlotte. She spent the entire show dangling from the rafters, weaving in and out, walking backwards up one way and down the next. She had acrobatic qualities, and must be exhausted by the end of each show.

Even when you know the story backwards and forwards, and wish for a different ending, you read it again anyway, or watch the movie, and in this case, see it come alive on stage because the story is so beautiful. It's about friendship between unlikely creatures, and it's about saving a life, only to lose it and have your heart broken, and then to learn that we go on living and loving and forming new relationships. 

Watching Charlotte's Web come alive on stage is a memorable experience. As we walked out of the theatre, Erin exclaimed, "We've got to come here more often!" I agree. Treat the kid inside of you to this stunning performance.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  What are some of your favorite scenes or characters in "Charlotte's Web?" What brings out the kid in you?

Some Pig Winners!

Quote of the Day:  
“Templeton was down there now, rummaging around. When he returned to the barn, he carried in his mouth an advertisement he had torn from a crumpled magazine. 
How's this?" he asked, showing the ad to Charlotte.
It says 'Crunchy.' 'Crunchy' would be a good word to write in your web."
Just the wrong idea," replied Charlotte. "Couldn't be worse. We don't want Zuckerman to think Wilbur is crunchy. He might start thinking about crisp, crunchy bacon and tasty ham. That would put ideas into his head. We must advertise Wilbur's noble qualities, not his tastiness.” 
― E.B. White, Charlotte's Web

Photo by Dan Norman, featuring Emma Thvedt as Fern

The winners for a pair of tickets each to a performance of Charlotte's Web at The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis are:

Jodie Tweed Norquist

Jill Neumann

and

AnnaMaija Lee

Thank you for participating and congratulations!

I hope you enjoy the show!

Remember that the Children's Theatre Company offers a select amount of $10 tickets for shows. You need to call, or stop in to the box office, on Sundays, starting at noon. The tickets are available for the upcoming week. You can also visit their website (link above) or call, 612-874-0400. The show runs September 17 - October 27. That means, their first performance is tonight. Break a leg! And, Save the pig!

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Have you ever saved anyone or anything?

Giveaway Tickets to "Charlotte's Web" at the Children's Theatre in Minneapolis

Quote of the Day:  
“But we have received a sign, Edith - a mysterious sign. A miracle has happened on this farm... in the middle of the web there were the words 'Some Pig'... we have no ordinary pig." 

"Well", said Mrs. Zuckerman, "it seems to me you're a little off. It seems to me we have no ordinary spider.” 
― E.B. White, Charlotte's Web

“It is deeply satisfying to win a prize in front of a lot of people.” 
― E.B. White, Charlotte's Web

Photo by Dan Norman featuring Emma Thvedt

The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN is presenting Charlotte's Web September 17 - October 27, 2013. They have graciously offered up THREE pairs of tickets for me to give away for performances on either Wednesday, Sept. 25 or Thursday, Sept. 26, 7:00 pm. If you win, you can claim your tickets at the box office. To enter the drawing, please leave a comment on this blog, or on facebook. Include your email address so I can let you know that you won. I will need to give your name and contact info to the Children's Theatre box office. If you are unable to leave a comment, you can also send me an email, subject: Some Pig, mary.aalgaard@yahoo.com. Contest closes at noon on Sunday, September 15, 2013. I'll post the winners next Monday, September 16, 2013.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Do you have a special memory of reading or watching "Charlotte's Web," a favorite character or scene? What would you write in your web about a friend?

Charlotte's Web to Kick Off Season at Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis

Quote of the Day:  It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. E.B. White, Charlotte's Web

Photo by Dan Norman featuring Emma Thvedt as Fern

Above is one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite stories. I'm so excited that The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis is bringing Charlotte's Web to their stage, Sept. 17-Oct. 27, 2013.

Charlotte’s Web

By Joseph Robinette

Based on the Book by E.B. White

Directed by Greg Banks

UnitedHealth Group Stage

September 17 – October 27

Recommended for grades K+

Phone: 612.874.0400

Click on the website above to read more about the show and the cast and crew. I want to put the word out early that this show will be offered in the Minneapolis area, a fine show, indeed. "Terrific, terrific, terrific," as the Goose says. I might even have a few tickets to give away. Check back later!

Continue to support the arts wherever you live, take a new class, attend a concert, play, or art show, and watch how it opens your own creative corridors.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Who are some of your favorite storybook characters?

Looking Ahead, even as I relish the moment

Quote of the Day:  Most people are on the world, not in it -- have no conscious sympathy or relationship to anything about them -- undiffused, separate, and rigidly alone like marbles of polished stone, touching but separate. - John of the Mountains: The Unpublished Journals of John Muir, (1938), page 320. Found at Quotations of John Muir.

Wild raspberries grow in my backyard.

Photo by my son Charlie.

 

The above quote by John Muir seems so true and so sad. I hope that I am a person lives in the world, experiencing, seeing, smelling, and tasting all that it has to offer. As I wrote in my post, Summer is slipping away, I feel those pangs of one season ending. It's more than the cooler nights, the changing color on the leaves. And, yes, here in Minnesota we're already seeing autumn making her appearance. The Sumac is vibrant red, and as we took a ride up the North Shore on Sunday, we saw a few Maple trees in all their crimson glory, and a few Birch trees turning yellow. I also feel the  pangs of my boys growing up. My oldest son is home for just a few weeks, then back to college. This evening, I wanted to capture the moment of all my big boys playing in the yard with the neighbor boys. It was so sweet, tossing a ball, running around, laughing. I will embed that mental picture in my memory.

 

And, as I feel the season changing, I can also look ahead to a new school year, my piano studio filling up again, teaching more classes, getting back into my play-writing (I have at least three plays screaming to be written), and checking the schedules and line-up of shows at the theatres where I write reviews.

 

Charlotte's Web is the opening show at The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis. I am so excited for this classic to come to life on their stage with original music and their fine cast and crew.

 

I'll write more about our ride up the North Shore on Ride off the Page. Click over there later this week to find out why Mr. Happy is not happy!

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

 

Journaling Prompt:  What are you looking forward to in the next season (of the year or life)?

Review of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie at The Children's Theatre in Minneapolis

Quote of the Day:  That is one crazy mouse! Leah, 5 years old
Look, he's clean skating! Rebekkah, 5 years old
That was really funny. Leah and Rebekkah

 

What happens when you give a girl and her sister a cookie?

 

 

You'll have to read them the book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, by Laura Joffe Numeroff.

 

 

Then, you'll have to take them to see the play based on the book at The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN.

 

Where they'll laugh their heads off at the crazy mouse and the boy, who make messes and try to clean them up, but end up making more messes, and having more fun, and not going to sleep, but listening to a great story that the boy reads and the mouse acts out, with food for characters and props, and it's all very exciting, and most of the kids (and some of the grown-ups) are on the edge of their seats, slapping their heads at the silliness, and standing up, and shouting, and telling their parents and friends that this is "too much," but not really, because it's the most fun at the theatre they've ever had. For some youngsters, it might even be their first time, and they'll love it so much that they'll beg to go back again because these guys are really good!

 

Dean Holt as the Mouse, Reed Sigmund as The Boy

Photos by Dan Norman, CTC

 

Things got a little carried away, at times.

 

 

Bring on the milk and cookies because this is a high energy, calorie burning show! We loved it.

 

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is playing at The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, June 21 - July 21, 2013. Based on the book by Laura Joffe Numeroff, adapted for the stage by Jody Davidson, Directed by Peter C. Brosius, Music Composed and Recorded by Victor Zupanc (fantastic, btw.). The show runs an hour and a half with one intermission, just enough time to gobble up a cookie. And, you know what happens when you give kids a cookie...they'll want to see the show! So, bring them all! They'll be sure to thank you, and maybe even share their cookies.

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

 

Journaling Prompt:  What's your favorite cookie?

Mine is a monster cookie! Of course, I love all cookies...sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, chocolate chip, peanut butter chocolate chip that my sister made today...thank you! And, I love gingersnaps and rolled out cookies that I can frost, especially at Christmas when they're shaped like angels and reindeer and Santa and trees. Mmm. That's making me thirsty for milk. See ya! Enjoy your cookies, books, plays, and family!