Received January 28:
Wanda's World
Zach's Youth Troupe
The Showstoppers, ZACH's new pre-professional youth performing troupe, produces a fully-staged musical each year, featuring an all youth cast. Students are auditioned annually and study throughout the year, performing around Austin and in the shows at ZACH.
Golly Gee Whiz, directed by ZACH veteran teacher and director Jaclyn Loewenstein, premiered in January, 2008 and featured a cast of 32 local youth ranging in age from 7-15. Wanda's World marks the Showstoppers first full-length musical production as a performing troupe.
Wanda's World
A musical for the "tween" in all of us!
Wanda is the coolest 8th grader ever. She’s beautiful. She’s confident. And she’s the star of her own TV talk show where she gives great advice to troubled tweens. That is...in her fantasies. In real life, Wanda has a problem of her own to face. Will the kids at her new school tease her for being different…or will she finally find a way to fit in? Find out when you ‘tune in’ to the critically acclaimed, Off-Broadway hit, Wanda's World, live on stage beginning January 31. For ages 6 and up. BETH FALCONE (composer/lyricist) • ERIC H. WEINBERGER (librettist) Directed by Jaclyn Loewenstein • Choreography by Adam Roberts Musical Direction by Lana Leeds
B. Iden Payne award-winning director and musical theatre teacher Jaclyn Loewenstein, held a workshop based on the play at ZACH this summer. ZACH was fortunate enough to have the show's composer/lyricist Beth Falcone on hand to serve as master teacher for the workshop. Birthmarks.com was invited to attend a rehearsal of the production, and meet the cast. During a Q&A, several staffers shared their personal experiences and challenges of growing up with prominent birthmarks. Read all about their visit and impressions of the production at Birthmarks.com.
Read more about Wanda's World and its creators at the Wanda's World website.
Performances will take place on ZACH stages, and are open to the public. Purchase tickets through ZACH's Box Office in person or by phone at (512) 476-0541 ext 1 Monday through Saturday, 12 noon-7pm. Or buy now online.
"A delightful romp of a show. It's a story with universal kid appeal, including the kids who still live inside adults. Jon Sobel, Blogcritics Magazine
"...this feel-good tuner, well played by a cast of adult actors and smartly directed and choreographed by Broadway veteran Lynne Taylor-Corbett, should appeal to audiences of all ages. Dan Bacalzo, Theatremania.com
"...a bright and endearing musical comedy."
"Falcone's score is cheerful and inventive, filled with jokes for the tweens and wit for the adults." "...generates cascades of laughter." "Falcone, Weinberger and Taylor-Corbett have loaded the small stage with artistry and good humor. Steven Suskin, Variety
"...this feel-good tuner, well played by a cast of adult actors and smartly directed and choreographed by Broadway veteran Lynne Taylor-Corbett, should appeal to audiences of all ages. Dan Bacalzo, Theatremania.com
"...a bright and endearing musical comedy."
"Falcone's score is cheerful and inventive, filled with jokes for the tweens and wit for the adults." "...generates cascades of laughter." "Falcone, Weinberger and Taylor-Corbett have loaded the small stage with artistry and good humor. Steven Suskin, Variety
Great seats this weekend for Wanda's World, the World Premiere Youth Production of the Off-Broadway Hit! Family-friendly tickets are only $12 and $14
Click here for show information. Click here to buy online now!
Robert Faires' article in the Austin Chronicle of January 29: "THE Showstoppers -- A 'World' of difference in 12 months"
I saw this show in New York and it's absolutely fabulous. ALL children (not just tweens) need to see this show. It points kids toward empathy for fellow human beings and you'll all sing some of its great tunes in the car on the way home. Go!
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