The Ugly Duckling, Chicken Little, & The Four Pigs
Lance Anthony (Director & Stromboli)
How is this production bringing something new to the three stories?
I believe that the “newness” we bring to these stories is the same as we bring to all of our adaptations for the Children’s Company. We like to take a story that is SO familiar and twist it a bit. The use of popular music to help tell the story has always been one of our trademarks. Also, our sense of humor has never let the adults in the theatre feel like they are stuck at a kiddie show. The main difference in this production is that not only are we presenting 3 tales in one show, but we have an intimate cast of 5 playing 22 roles. The quick changes between characters is going to be a lot of fun for the audience.
What’s going to surprise people about this show?
When they get to the end of this whirlwind experience and realize that not only have they had fun, but they’ve also learned a couple lessons along the way.
What adjectives would you use to describe the production as a whole? Characters?
I’m going with “ZANY” and “ENERGIZED.”
What sort of person is going to love this show?
We try to include everyone when we approach these productions. There is humor only the adults will understand. There is slapstick and broad humor which everyone loves. We have both female and male protagonists, so all the kids have some character they can relate to. The music, from classic Beatles tunes to Taylor Swift, encompasses 50 years of popular music. EVERYONE is going to enjoy this show!
Ashley DePascale (Penne)
What do you like most about the characters you are playing?
I enjoy a show where as an actor you are challenged to play more than one character. This show definitely embraces that and allows me to play roles outside from what I usually portray in the company.
What sort of person is going to love this show?
This show is fun for both young kids and adults. There is slapstick humor that both age groups will enjoy. The adults will go down memory lane with some of the classic song choices, while there is also current music the kids will know and enjoy as well.
What adjectives would you use to describe the production as a whole? Characters?
Campy, quirky, funny, entertaining, diverse.
What’s going to surprise people about this show?
I think the whole premise of the show will be a bit surprising. Especially the beginning. There is a bit of a twist and will leave the audience thinking “What will happen next?” But I won’t give it away! You have to come see it!
Rene Ragan (Pancetta)
How is this production bringing something new to the three stories?
The thing that is really new and fresh about this production is the element of improvisation that is present. Having a background in Improv, creating this feeling is really fun for me and takes me back to my college days of performing with our Improv troupe. It’s a really interesting and fun element.
What sort of person is going to love this show?
I mean, who wouldn’t love this show! Kids are going to have a great time because there are tons of silly moments, jokes, and pratfalls. It is fast paced and wacky, which kids love. And for the adults, as has been the tradition of DCT written plays, we add a generous dose of references and songs that grown ups will key into, that will hopefully have them flashing back to when they were kids.
What adjectives would you use to describe the production as a whole?
My word for this show is “Spontaneity.”
What’s going to surprise people about this show?
I think audiences will be captivated and surprised by the lively colors present in this production and the boisterous feel of the entire piece. Being in the audience is going to feel like stepping off the street in Seville, into a little corner theatro, and getting swept up in the antics of a Comedia del Arte. They will be surprised by the old world presentation rife with nods to modern culture and music.
What do you like most about the characters you are playing?
My favorite thing about these characters is their ability to say “yes”. For me, it is not merely a representation of the power of play and performance, but also a metaphor for what can happen if inclusion, acceptance, and joy are present in our lives: a demonstration of the power of saying “yes”!
Bill Adams (Spaghetti)
What adjectives would you use to describe the production as a whole?
Did a particular line or moment in rehearsal stand out or make you laugh?
I love when the 3 pigs argue over their houses and yell out “fuggetaboutit!”
What’s going to surprise people about this show?
I think this show has a little something for everyone, whether it’s stories they know, aside joke references to pop culture, the music, and especially the fun costumes.
What do you like most about the characters you are playing?
I like how different they all are from each other. From playing myself, to the ugliest of ducklings, to a mama chicken, it’s all just way too much fun.
Joe Cardoza (Alfredo)
What adjectives would you use to describe the production as a whole?
Funny, fun, exciting, and enjoyable.
What’s going to surprise people about this show?
How much fun it really is and how there is something for everyone – jokes that the kids will get, songs that the parents will remember and enjoy.
What do you like most about the characters you are playing?
I love how wild and silly the characters are. They’re all different but they all have a certain infectious energy about them.
