It is rare that a work of theater gets to celebrate a decade of performances, much less 25 years. But that is exactly what is being celebrated this spring at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, who will welcome The Traveling Troupe to the stage as they celebrate 25 years of providing “theater for everyone.”
This troupe, made-up of a group of volunteers consisting of pre-teens, teens and adults, will present The Hundred Dresses for our area children aged 8-14 years and their families. Typically these performances have taken place throughout Kent County Public and private schools but this is a chance to see this troupe in the heart of the city of Grand Rapids.
Employing their classic style of moving from the ‘page to stage,’ this presentation of The Hundred Dresses (a musical) brings to life the story of Wanda Petronski, a new girl and her classmates attending Franklin Elementary. And like most childhood stories, this one is embedded with a lesson framed around what happens when one group doesn't quite understand how to accept this new girl with the funny accent and a faded blue dress.
In short, this is a great opportunity to impart a lesson on the needlessness of bullying and present it in a fashion that is probably more effective than saying, "Don't do it."
The Hundred Dresses is based on the beloved book by Eleanor Estes and includes a bouncy musical score complete with theatrical antics, which, according to Civic Theatre, are sure to stick with an audience member long after the curtain call.
Admission: Free but donations are accepted at the door.
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