June 23, 2004
Playful summer full of hard work
Traverse City Children's Theater ambitious program begins with play this Friday
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
Launching a summer filled with theater activities, the Traverse City Children's Theater opens it's first production this Friday.
"The Phantom Tollbooth" is the culmination of a two-month Spring Main Stage production class that taught 36 students ages 10-16 the basics of putting on a play. The lighthearted fantasy follows Milo as he travels through a tollbooth in his room to a variety of adventures with curious characters. Geared to ages five and up, the play is based on a book of the same name by Norton Juster.
"It's special because it has weird people in it," said Ellie Okerstrom, 11, of the Spelling Bee, Humbug, the Lethargians and the Whetherman.
Students in the class helped develop the characters they presented on stage, a step that include writing a past for their character to give them depth and motivation.
"It is fun to see how we were able to form what we wanted in our characters," said Jazlynn Narmore, 15.
An intense rehearsal schedule this week is putting the finishing touches on for Friday's debut of "The Phantom Tollbooth." A matinee and an evening performance on Saturday round out the schedule.
A full backstage crew of students helped with sets, lighting and other production details. Old Town Playhouse veteran Kathy Verstrate stepped in to create the 80-90 costumes for the show. She drew on the Playhouse's extensive inventory for some costumes but also created others from scratch.
"I've got some very elaborate things, Lethargians, Royal ministers," Verstrate noted. "This has been the wildest show I've done in years. The costumes are a toss up between 'Babes in Toyland,' a Medieval kingdom and 'Cinderella.' Those were my inspirations."
The rest of the summer at the Traverse City Children's Theater features a range of classes on everything from jazz dancing and puppetry to acting basics and political theater. In addition, a summer performing arts camp and a mini camp have been full since spring.
The theater will also present three main stage productions this summer as well as two free productions in Hannah Park in August. Advanced theater students will also present two Studio Theater productions presented for adult audiences: "The Metamorphosis" and "Guerrilla Theater Showcase."
"This will be the most ambitious production year for the Children's Theater ever," said Luis Araquistain, director of the theater since January 2003. "I am very excited about the summer. I am excited with glee and excited with a little bit of awe when I think about how much work I have ahead of me. It will be hard work but fun work."
Araquistain is also offering a bilingual Latino Theater Camp from July 26 through August 6 at the YMCA. Students will perform "El Popol Vu," a story about the Mayan creation myth, on Sunday, August 15, at 2 p.m. at the Hannah Park. Space is still available in that camp.
"This is the inauguration of that program, not just for Latinos, it just happened that we are starting out that program," said Araquistain, who will teach the camp. "Eventually I'd like to work my way around to all members of the sub-communities who are not members of the majority community."
"I hope to reach out to members of the American indigenous community and there's a lot to be learned about the African American community as well," he added. "I do see my position as the Children's Theater director as an opportunity to make that a goal."
The "The Phantom Tollbooth" will be produced on Friday, June 25, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 26, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $6 for teens and adults and $4 children and seniors. They are available in advance by calling the Traverse City Children's Theater at 947-2210 or online at www.tcctheatre.org/ shows.html. They will also be available at the door.