VALDOSTA —
Every person is a unique being.
With two public shows this weekend, Valdosta State University Theatre & Dance’s latest children’s show, “Free to Be ... You and Me,” celebrates the differences in people. The show will then tour several South Georgia and North Florida schools in the coming weeks.
“The nice thing about this play is it talks about the uniqueness of every person,” says Jacque Wheeler, the show’s director. “We don’t have to be the same as others.”
Through songs, short set pieces, colorful costumes and sets, and energetic performances from the VSU student cast, “Free to Be ... You and Me” creates an easy-to-swallow message for young children.
The writing helps send the message home. Based on an early 1970s-era project by actress Marlo Thomas, the play script includes pieces by Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Mary Rodgers, Shel Silverstein, etc., writing for children.
The play’s theme is to foster self-respect and respect for others. Though this is VSU Theatre & Dance’s annual production for children, this show has a message for audience members of all ages.
“Each of us can be anything we would like to be,” Wheeler says in the show’s director’s notes. “Parents are people just like children, it is all right to show your emotions, even if it means you are crying, it is good to have friends and we are all free to be ... you and me.”
THE CAST: Diamond Do’zia, Blake Fountain, Rebecca Morris, Chela North, Ethan Parker, Kelsey Russo, Maxwell Swangle, Larren Woodward.
DIRECTION, PRODUCTION: Jacque Wheeler, director, choreographer; Dr. Christopher Bailey, music director; Michael Driggers, technical director; Caleb Spivey, stage manager, props manager; Ruth A. Brandvik, scenic & lighting designer; Rebecca Huguet, costume designer; Dr. Jennifer Rahman, educational materials; Ryan Ponsell, assistant technical director; Rebecca Morris, master carpenter; Genna Kasun, paint charge; Kathy Raess-Young, costume shop supervisor; Ryan Ponsell, Jared Key, Rebecca Morris, Genna Kasun, scene shop assistants; Patrice Trower, Rebecca Huguet, costume shop assistants.
SHOWTIME
Valdosta State University Theatre & Dance presents “Free to Be ... You and Me.”
When: Public shows are 7:30 p.m. today, Feb. 1, and 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2.
Where: Sawyer Theatre, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood.
More information: More information: Call (229) 333-5973; or visit www.valdosta.edu/comarts
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Free to Be ... You and Me
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