The Theater Bug Presents SECONDHAND WINGS

Theater Bug proudly presents a new original play, Secondhand Wings, by Cori Anne Laemmel. Secondhand Wings is being produced in partnership with The Rainbow Squad, East Nashville's first middle school LGBTQ+ group, as well as the mentorship of adult members from the trans community.

The show is an allegory about trans youth and was lovingly created together with members of the trans community of all ages and their families. The production will feature a cast of 43 young actors and will include an original score by Laura Matula, as well as two original songs by Laura Matula and Cori Anne Laemmel. Secondhand Wings runs February 2-10, 2019. Performances will be held at The Theater Bug, located at 4809 Gallatin Pike in the back building of New Life Baptist Church. Tickets online (ticketsnashville.com) are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $12 and $7, respectively, if available.

As a young child, Robby is eager to learn the words and meanings for things discovered in the world around them. "Run" and "Sky" and "Fast" all felt just like they should, but when Robby is called "boy" something doesn't feel right, and Robby yearns to find the word that matches their heart. One day in the park Robby sees a robin in a tree and struggles to explain to friends and family the pain of being born a bird without wings. Confiding in Astrid, a young girl in the same class, Robby tells her about being a bird and wanting to be called Robin instead of Robby. In a kind moment, Astrid offers her own dress up wings. Robin searches for a way to fly, while the community discovers the power behind the words, "I believe and I love you."

For more information about The Theater Bug, please visit thetheaterbug.org.

All photos and artwork by MA2LA with Bella Higginbotham featured as Robin.