Jordyn Taylor, Sarah Chapin, Chelsea Majors, Ariana Caldwell, Tori Gomez, and Edima Essien in “She Persisted.”Photo by Alan Kayanan.
Her-story is being made in Echo, MD! Based on Chelsea Clinton’s book of the same name, Adventure Theatre MTC’s production of “She Persisted” takes the audience on a time-traveling adventure thro,ugh history in a way that speaks not only to young audiences, but also to their parents. With book and lyrics by Adam Tobin and compositions and music direction by Deborah Wicks La Puma, “She Persisted” follows fourth-grader Naomi’s (Ariana Caldwell) field trip to a Women’s History Museum. When her teacher assigns her an essay, Naomi travels with and through Time (Chelsea Majors) to learn about the women who broke down walls and made waves in history. Focusing on the stories of Harriet Tubman, Virginia Apgar, Ruby Bridges, Sally Ride, Florence Griffith Joyner, and Sonia Sotomayor, “She Persisted” reminds us all that every woman can blaze a trail and inspire others.
This all-female cast was full of powerhouses…Don’t walk, run to Adventure Theatre MTC before it’s too late!
Acting as our guide through history is Ariana Caldwell as Naomi. Caldwell powerfully touched on a young girl’s ability to feel as if she is not enough, a feeling that resonates with children and adults alike. She tactfully handled these intense emotions, making them digestible to even the youngest audience member. Her (and the ensemble’s) ability to portray fourth-graders is excellently done. Guiding Naomi with her journey to the past is Chelsea Majors as young Time (Father and Mother Time’s effervescent daughter), and Mrs. Chen. Majors energetically took everyone on the journey, providing words of wisdom and actions reminiscent of kid’s TV shows.
This all-female cast was full of powerhouses. Audiences are lucky to experience some of the best DC talent in such an intimate space. Acting as our women in history was the ensemble of Sarah Chapin (Sally Ride and Dr. Virginia Apgar), Jordyn Taylor (Harriet Tubman and Florence Griffith-Joyner), Leela Dawson (Sonia Sotomayor at this performance), and Ariel Friendly (Ruby Bridges at this performance). Each had their own song showing glimpses of their passions, doubts, and how, in the face of adversity, they persisted. With standout moments such as Taylor’s powerful vocals as Harriet Tubman, Friendly’s moving portrayal during the number “Walk On,” and Chapin’s sheer depiction of female strength, it’s not surprising this production received a Helen Hayes recommendation.
Adventure Theatre was transformed into a museum with a smart and versatile set designed by Megan Holden, featuring projections helping shine a light on these women and showcasing the passage of time designed by Hailey LaRoe. Direction by Mary Hall Surface and choreography by Ashleigh King helped tell such a captivating story in such a short amount of time.
While “She Persisted” may be marketed for young children, this story is one that everyone should hear. Don’t walk, run to Adventure Theatre MTC before it’s too late!
Running Time: Sixty minutes with no intermission.
Advisory: Appropriate for all ages but may be best enjoyed by students familiar with the concept of school and field trips. Uses strobe and flashing lights as visual effects. Please be advised that people with photosensitivity may be affected.
“She Persisted” runs through November 3, 2024 (Wednesday to Sunday at 11 am, Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm), at Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD 20812. For more information and to purchase tickets ($27, with group and field trip rates available), call the Box Office at 301-634-2270 or go online.
