Celebrate theater anniversary with ‘Rumpelstiltskin’
Theater Arts for Children is celebrating its 10th birthday with a musical version of “Rumpelstiltskin.” Director Jerry Uppinghouse has integrated music and dance numbers into the production using songs by Aerosmith, Phil Collins and Randy Newman, to name a few.
The cast of 25, ages 3 to 58, have only had four weeks of rehearsal. Memorizing lines, songs, dance steps and blocking is quite a chore at any age. Still, they’re pulling it all together for their opening show this evening.
Selma Rhodes and her two daughters, Keisha, 8, and Madison, 3, have made it a family affair. All three perform together as court members and part of the living forest. Uppinghouse dreamed up the living forest, where cast members blend with a camouflage background as flowers, trees and bushes. They sing and dance, making up for the simplicity of the set.
This is Madison’s first show while Selma and Keisha have been doing it for a couple of years. “It gives them confidence and self-discipline,” said Selma, “and it’s fun.”
Other members of the cast also are related. Kylan Kracher, who plays “Rumpelstiltskin,” shares stage time with his wife, Mara, and two daughters, Kyra, 7, and Emilyn, 5. There are the Simmons sisters, Rachael, Hannah and Emily, and their cousin Chelsea Kinney; and Barb Pattrone with her daughters, Samantha and Julianne. Challys Resta brought her daughter, Jessica, and Caroline Droege came with her daughter, Tristanne.
TAC was founded to give more children an opportunity to enter the wonderful world of theater as actors, crew hands and audience participants. Their goal is to make a dramatic impact on children’s lives. All of their productions are kid-friendly, even taking into account attention spans.
The shows are interactive with good messages, and kids as well as adults are sure to leave with a creative idea or two floating around in their heads. People of all ages are urged to join the group and learn something new.
Anyone can audition for the shows. One actor, Justin Brown, is new to town. He came to the audition for “Rumpelstiltskin” with his uncle just for something to do. He ended up in his first role, as Prince Tom. Lauren Aubertin, a freshman at University High School, plays Laura, and Leah Dach plays Lady Matilda. There are even a few veteran performers. Vicki Hynes, John Brooks and Lin Johnson have more than 50 years of theater experience combined. They enjoy sharing their expertise with the younger cast members. Devynne Johnson, 12, plays the role of the Jester, her second performance with Theater Arts for Children.
Uppinghouse has been involved in theater for 25 years. He calls it his avocation.
“There is nothing better,” he said, “than being a part of something that makes a child laugh.”
All cast and crew members agree that being a part of the theater allows an outlet for dramatic dispositions. After all, who hasn’t felt the need to artistically express the “Oh me, oh my” of daily existence? Or to be a part of something that allows the drama queen or king to emerge?