Over 2,500 Students Attends POLKADOTS: THE COOL KIDS MUSICAL

Over 2,500 students from 21 schools throughout Maine recently attended nine sold-out Student Matinee performances of The Public Theatre's production of 'Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical.' The Public Theatre's student matinee program enables schools to attend a performance at the Lewiston theatre for the reduced rate of only $5.00 a ticket, offering the majority of students the chance to experience live professional theatre for the very first time. 

 

In addition to the nine sold-out student matinee performances, and a weekend of public performances, The Public Theatre also offered a free performance for the community that was attended by children from Tree Street Youth, Auburn PAL, the Root Cellar, and The Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maine. In total, nearly 3,000 children and their families attended 'Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical.'

 

Students who attended the show also participated in a post-show discussion with the Cast and Director. A study guide written by Jazzmin Bonner, an artist from The American Repertory Theatre, was also provided to offer a deeper and more meaningful theatre-going experience. Post show surveys from Educators and Students praised the production, the performers, the experience of the post-show discussions and most importantly the show's “perfect” themes of diversity and acceptance. 

 

Written by Douglas Lyons, Melvin Tunstall III and Greg Borowsky, and based on historical events, 'Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical' tells the empowering story of 8-year-old Lily Polkadot. When Lily moves to a new town, she faces the challenge of being the first Polkadot in an all Square school. Overcoming her obstacles, she challenges the minds and hearts of her peers showing everyone that our differences make us awesome, not outcasts. 

 

'Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical' was directed and choreographed by The Public Theatre's Education Director, Adam P. Blais, with Music Direction by Katy Cavanaugh. The professional cast of New York based singers and actors included Annell Moya as Lily Polkadot, Yale Langworthy as Sky Square, Mia Goodman as Penelope Square, and Broadway veteran Allison Briner Dardenne as their teacher Ms. Square and Mama Square. Set Design was by Tricia Hobbs, Lighting Design by Erin Fauble, Sound Design by Jacob Pribilsky and the unique Costumes, Wigs, and Make-up representing the Square and Polkadot world were designed Kaylee Carrol and Renya Higgins, a team of MCI students who were mentored by their teacher Debra Susi.

 

'Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical' was sponsored by Norway Savings Bank, Berube's Complete Auto Care, and NAPA Coastal Auto Parts and presented with support from the Maine Arts Commission. Their generous support makes the reduced $5.00 Student Matinee Ticket possible and allows The Public Theatre to continue their commitment of making high quality live entertainment affordable for most families. 

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