Lewiston theater hosts 2,500 students, educators

Students participate in a post-show discussion with the cast and director following a student matinee performance of “Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical.” Submitted photo

More than 2,500 students from 21 Maine schools recently attended nine sold-out student matinee performances of The Public Theatre’s production of “Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical.”

The theater’s student matinee program enables schools to attend a performance at the Lewiston theater for the reduced rate of $5 a ticket, offering the majority of students the chance to experience live professional theater for the first time.

In addition to the nine performances and a weekend of public performances, the theater offered a free performance for the community attended by children from Tree Street Youth, Auburn PAL, the Root Cellar, and The Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maine. Nearly 3,000 children and their families attended “Polkadots,” according to a news release from Jennifer Madigan at the theater.

Students who attended the show also participated in a post-show discussion with the cast and director. A study guide written by Jazzmin Bonner, an artist from the American Repertory Theatre, was also provided to offer a deeper and more meaningful theater-going experience. Post show surveys from educators and students praised the production, the performers, the experience of the post-show discussions and most importantly the show’s “perfect” themes of diversity and acceptance.

Written by Douglas Lyons, Melvin Tunstall III and Greg Borowsky, and based on historical events, “Polkadots” tells the empowering story of 8-year-old Lily Polkadot. When Lily moves to a new town, she faces the challenge of being the first Polkadot in an all Square school. Overcoming her obstacles, she challenges the minds and hearts of her peers, showing everyone that people’s differences make them awesome, not outcasts.

“Polkadots” was directed and choreographed by The Public Theatre’s Education Director Adam Blais, with music direction by Katy Cavanaugh. The professional cast of New York-based singers and actors included Annell Moya as Lily Polkadot, Yale Langworthy as Sky Square, Mia Goodman as Penelope Square, and Broadway veteran Allison Briner Dardenne as their teacher Ms. Square and Mama Square.

Set design was by Tricia Hobbs, lighting design by Erin Fauble, sound design by Jacob Pribilsky, and the costumes, wigs, and make up representing the Square and Polkadot world were designed by Kaylee Carrol and Renya Higgins, a team of students from Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield that were mentored by their teacher Debra Susi.

“Polkadots” was sponsored by Norway Savings Bank, Berube’s Complete Auto Care, and Napa Coastal Auto Parts and presented with support from the Maine Arts Commission.