Encore Stage & Studio’s motto is ‘theatre by kids, for kids of all ages’ and they got it right. Their production of Darius the Dragon and Rap-Punzel delighted a large crowd of kids and their parents at Artisphere’s Spectrum Theatre. The actors received an enthusiastic and well-deserved applause and were mobbed for autographs after the performance.
Katy Scruggs (Darius). Photo by Aileen Pangan.
The performance contains two different plays. Darius the Dragon opens the performance, and is followed by an intermission, and then the cast returned for their version of Rap-Punzel.
Darius the Dragon is the story of a medieval dragon who is disturbed by a bulldozer and emerges to encounter the 21st Century. The dragon finds some helpful kids and together they try to save his home and the park.
Rap-Punzel is the familiar tale of a princess stuck in a tower retold entirely in an updated, rhythmic, rhyming style. The young cast does not miss a beat! Marji Jepperson does a stellar job directing the kids, especially during the rapping - where there were no missed lines during the more complicated rhyming, which is a testament to Jeppperson’s direction, and the hard work and dedication put in by the cast.
In Darius… Kathryn “Katy” Scruggs, a freshman in high school, is a delight as Darius. Her interaction with Jennifer, played by Nicole Redifer – an 8th grader – is the highlight of the play. Jennifer is the first young person the dragon meets when Jennifer saves Darius from the mean city traffic. Isabel Tate, a 5th grader, is a ‘scene stealer’ as the Mayor. Thanks to Debra Leonard’s wonderful costume design, Isabel looks like a miniature grown up – complete with a business dress and a necklace. Tate’s stage presence and her facial expressions are priceless. She is wonderful interacting with the Chief of Police, played by Laura Wade – a 6th grader. There is a very funny scene with the Mayor at her office talking to the Chief and calling Yellowstone Park.
(From left to right: Nicky Beane, Sarah Malks, Ashley Britton and Alex Flood in 'Rap-Punzel.' Photo courtesy of Encore Stage & Studio.
I also enjoyed the bit about the elevator not being invented- and it received chuckles from the audience. Debra Leonard’s costumes really shined during this part of the show. She was able to put the cast into cute greens, spooky witches, and royalty. Set builder Michael Null made an impressive tower where Rapunzel would let her hair down. Rapunzel was played by the charming Ashley Britton.
The play also made the the theatre interactive. In Darius - the cast went into the audience to look for the hiding dragon. After the curtain calls and an impressive dance segment – choreographed by Marji Jepperson – the cast exited through the audience so they could meet their fans after the show. This was a great way to keep the attention of younger audience members.
Not only were there young kids acting on stage, but many of them were responsible for the show running smoothly. Olivia Tate, a high school sophomore, was the Stage Manager. Encore Stage & Studio obviously teaches kids about every aspect of a production.
My four year-old daughter had a blast watching the show. I think children like to watch other kids perform. She enjoyed the story of dragons and a princess, and was not alone in liking the performance, for there wasn’t a single unhappy child in the large audience.
Encore Stage & Studio delivered affordable, fun, family entertainment. If this performance is any indication – then this young and talented cast is well on their way to theatre stars of the future. It’s so nice to see that these young actors are building memories, making friends, strengthening their self esteem, and developing a love for the theatre.
Take the whole family and have a roaring great hair-raising and lowering time at Darius the Dragon and Rap-Punzel.
Running Time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, with a 15 minute intermission.
Darius the Dragon and Rap-Punzel plays through January 15, 2012, at Encore Stage & Studio at The Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre – 1611 N. Kent Street, in Arlington, Virginia. For tickets call (703) 548-1154 ext. 1, or purchase them online.
Mike Spain writes for the Examiner covering Blues Music around Washington, D.C. He also writes for the Yahoo! Contributor Network, where his writing has been published on Associated Content, Yahoo! Finance, Yahoo! Sports and Rivals.com. Mike lives in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia where he enjoys spending time with his family, listening to live music, skiing and fishing.
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