Here at Solomon Schools some of our students like to “move it, move it.” Our very own students Raegan Perry, Luka Hayes, and Jase Wendlandt are a part of the Great Plains Theatre production, Madagascar: A Musical Adventure, Jr. This musical is being directed by Mitchell Aiello.
Not only are some Solomon students involved, but there are several staff members who have children participating in the play.
“My son is in the play,” said Mrs. Pratt, Solomon social worker. “My son has been involved in Great Plains Theatre since 3rd grade.”
Mrs. Pratt and English teacher Mr. Delay’s children are in the production. Both have said amazing things about the director.
“Mitchell is amazing, he is amazing with those kids,” said Pratt.
Madagascar gives Aiello a chance to work with younger actors.
“Working with kids and students is such a large passion of mine, said Aiello. “Young performers are the future. They will pave the way for what theater, art, and storytelling look like down the road. To be able to guide, mentor, and teach them is simply inspirational.”
The play has given the kids lots of fun and meet new people. Solomon freshmen Raegen Perry says that the play has allowed him to make new attachments to both the people and the production itself.
“It's given me a new sense of what theater is,” Perry says.
With every show there are always iconic moments. This production is based off of the movie Madagascar. Which can be intimidating for directors, but for Aiello that doesn’t seem to be the case.
“Being the Director of such an iconic movie made into a musical is truly so much fun,” he said. “The movie has a lot of moments that are silly, exciting, and memorable. I wanted our audiences to feel the same way about our show. Adapting an animated film for the stage can be fun because it lets the audience imagine, dream, and play make believe along with us. We obviously do not have 2-D drawings on stage, but rather I ask myself how I can bring the characters, set, and world to life in a 3-D way. While staying true to the style of humor, I add my own spin on the story including many comedic "bits" as well as bringing a large group together becoming the iconic characters and the essential background characters to life.”
For those who would like to see the show, there are four remaining performances left. The production will run at 7 p.m., Friday, February 18, and 2 and 7 p.m., Saturday, February 19, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 20, at the Great Plains Theatre in Abilene, KS. Tickets are still available and can be purchased online at www.greatplainstheatre.com, or by phone at (785) 263-4574.
“Every kid in our community and the surrounding area has a voice and a special personality that shines brighter than ever in this show. Our young professionals are all absolute STARS!” said Mitchell.
Photos courtesy of Mitchell Aiello.
Editing by 21st Century Journalism