Interview: Katie Spelman of AN AMERICAN TAIL at Children's Theatre Company

This production runs APR 25 - JUN 18, 2023

By: Mar. 29, 2023
Interview: Katie Spelman of AN AMERICAN TAIL at Children's Theatre Company
Katie Spelman

A Children's Theatre Company Commissioned World Premiere Production
i
n association with Universal Theatrical Group

An army of cats forces young Fievel Mousekewitz and his family to escape from Russia by boat. When a storm at sea separates them, Fievel arrives alone in the vast city of New York. In this riveting new musical based on the beloved animated film, the steadfastly optimistic Fievel makes his way as a new immigrant, encountering friends and foes (including a few scene-stealing cockroaches!). Despite everything stacked against him, Fievel clings to his dreams of a better life and reuniting with his family. Are they Somewhere Out There?

We chat with Katie Spelman who is the choreographer for this production.

What interests you in being part of the creative process for An American Tail?

It's such a delight to get to work on material I grew up with - and so thrilling to be at a point in my career that I can work with collaborators who are also good friends, like Michael, Alan, and Jason. I also think, at a time when our country is so divided, to remind ourselves of the way this country was built - by people coming to our shores with nothing but hope, perseverance, and a dream of a better life.

How has it been working with the creative team?

Rehearsal is a joy - Taibi is a genius, and leads the room with such humor, grace, and precision; i feel like every day, I'm learning something new about collaboration. It's also so wonderful to have Itamar, Alan, and Michael in the room; they are constantly revising and revamping in response to how the material is realized on stage. it's so rare to have the creators in the room with you, responding in real time.

Do you have a favorite moment in An American Tail?

oh, I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite.... there's so much to love. but selfishly, I think I'd have to say: when the cockroaches dance.

What can audiences expect from this musical?

I think they can expect to laugh, cry, and revisit some of the expansive "anything is possible" mindset they had when they were children.

What are you hoping audiences take away from seeing An American Tail?

I hope they take away what I think is one of the main messages of the piece - we're stronger united than we are divided.

Thank you Katie for your time!

For more ticket and show information, please click the ticket link button below.

Photo courtesy of Katie Spelman



SPONSORED BY THE ORDWAY


October 2023

December 2023

March 2024

April 2024

July 2024



RELATED STORIES - Minneapolis / St. Paul

1
Childrens Theatre Company Announces Performance Apprentices For 2023-2024 Season Photo
Children's Theatre Company Announces Performance Apprentices For 2023-2024 Season

Children's Theatre Company (CTC) has announced Antonisia (Nisi) Collins and Keegan Robinson as the Performance Apprentices for the 2023-2024 Season.  

2
Duluth Playhouse Youth Theatre Presents Disneys NEWSIES JR. Photo
Duluth Playhouse Youth Theatre Presents Disney's NEWSIES JR.

Disney's Newsies JR. is playing at the NorShor Theatre Friday June 23 at 6PM, Saturday June 24 at 1PM and 4PM, and Sunday June 25 at 1PM and 4PM.

3
Interview: Eddie Coblentz Of PRIDE NIGHT At Saint Paul Saints Photo
Interview: Eddie Coblentz Of PRIDE NIGHT At Saint Paul Saints

Pride Night returns to CHS Field this Thursday, June 8!

4
JOHNNY SKEEKY; OR, THE REMEDY FOR EVERYTHING World Premiere & More Set for Theater Lat Photo
JOHNNY SKEEKY; OR, THE REMEDY FOR EVERYTHING World Premiere & More Set for Theater Latté Da 2023-24 Season

Theater Latté Da has revealed its 2023-2024 season. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets!

From This Author - Jared Fessler

Jared [He/Him] is originally from Iowa and resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He grew up doing theatre and studied music, dance, and theatre with additional training in BFA musical theatre.Favorite th... (read more about this author)

Videos


#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# School of Rock: The Musical
Open Door Community Theatre (6/16-6/25)Tracker
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Michelle Wolf - It's Great to Be Here Tour
Pantages Theatre (10/05-10/05)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Dance Around Minnesota
Downtown Commons (7/15-7/15)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# CHROMA: A Color Spectrum Anthology Show
Phantom Chorus Theatre (6/02-6/11)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Spotlight Showcase 2023
State Theatre (6/12-6/13)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Ashland Productions (6/23-7/02)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Cat & Nat - Unfiltered Live
Pantages Theatre (10/26-10/26)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Disney’s Finding Nemo JR.
Stages Theatre Company (6/21-8/04)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Croce Plays Croce
Pantages Theatre (11/17-11/17)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# A CHORUS LINE
Theatre 55 (7/14-7/23)
VIEW ALL SHOWS  ADD A SHOW  

Recommended For You