PHILADELPHIA, PA: Kids and their favorite grownups live a day in a big bug’s world with WST for Kids’ production of Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly. Doreen Cronin’s popular children’s books come to life in an hour-long musical adaptation of Diary of a Worm… performed LIVE at Walnut Street Theatre, March 30 through April 13, 2013.
In this hilarious rock-n-roll romp, children take a look at the world through a bug’s perspective. Is Spider getting too big for his own skin? Will Fly find her superhero powers in time to save her Aunt Rita from danger? Will Worm learn to stand on his own two feet? Get to know these unlikely friends and you might find that a bug’s life is not that different from your own. Audiences will love the wild adventures of Worm, Spider, and Fly, as they learn about the value of friendship and the unique talent inside each of us!
Based on the award-winning books written by Doreen Cronin, with illustrations by Harry Bliss, Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly was originally commissioned by Oregon Children’s Theatre and was first produced in 2010. The book, lyrics and music were written by Joan Cushing who has written many musical adaptations of children’s stories including Miss Nelson is Missing and Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business!
Director Noah Herman is excited to make his Walnut directorial debut with this hip, playful exploration of the world outside. Herman spoke about his enthusiasm surrounding this production, “The show is a delightful blend of comedy, relatable characters and enriching lessons which are perfect for young theatergoers and their families and friends!” He also noted, “The more I read the play, the funnier I find it. I can’t wait to bring the humor to life on stage and hear the theatre fill with laughter.” Herman’s debut is especially noteworthy as he was a student at theatre school, then a Camp Walnut counselor and went on to direct Camp Walnut’s 2012 production of The Tempest. Walnut is delighted to bring back Music and Vocal Director, Mark Yurkanin, who most recently worked on the WST for Kids’ production of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Choreographer Samuel Antonio Reyes (Alexander, A Christmas Carol) also returns to help our insect friends buzz to the beat.
Creating the great outdoors to wow kids’ imaginations are returning artists Scenic Designer Andrew Thompson (Alexander, Proof), Sound Designer Ryan Peavey (Alexander, Miss Nelson is Missing), and Lighting Designer Mark Grady (Alexander, A Christmas Carol). Transforming actors into insects with their costumes are Jennifer Lanyon and Anya Loverdi, this season’s costume apprentices.
Returning to the Walnut stage as squirming, crawling bugs are Mike Dorsey (A Christmas Carol) as unsure Worm and Jesse Kirkland (A Christmas Carol) as confident Spider. Marissa Barnathan (A Christmas Carol) will buzz around as superhero Fly and Jessica Johnson (A Christmas Carol) will soar as beautiful Butterfly. Local talents Pat Shane, of Manayunk, and Jamie Beth Weist, of Fairmount, will make their Walnut debuts as Ant and Mrs. McBee, respectively.
The Walnut Street Theatre for Kids Series is celebrated for its commitment to encouraging parents (and grandparents) to read to their kids. Families can read together, and then discover a whole new level of imagination when they see the shows live onstage. The Walnut takes pride in bringing families together through reading and the arts.
Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly is an ideal outing for every elementary classroom and family with weekday and weekend matinee performances March 30, April 3, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13. The Thursday, April 11th performance will be ASL interpreted. Tickets are only $10-$16 with group discounts available for groups of fifteen or more. For tickets and information, please call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets can also be purchased online at Ticketmaster or by visiting the Walnut’s website at www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org.
