The Emperor's New Threads
by Magik Theatre

Apr. 21 - Jun. 03, 2017
Tuesdays-Sundays

The Magik Theatre Stages The Emperor’s New Threads, A Groovy 60s Version

of the Classic Hans Christian Anderson Tale

 

Opening Performance: Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

Sensory-Friendly Performance: Saturday, May 20 at 2:00 p.m.

Military Night: Saturday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m.

The Magik Theatre, San Antonio’s professional family theatre, presents The Emperor’s New Threads based on the classic tale by Hans Christian Anderson, adapted and directed by Frances Limoncelli with music and lyrics by George Howe. A groovy ‘60s take on the famous tale! The Emperor is beloved as a chic trendsetter, but his ridiculous fashion tax is bankrupting the country. One heroic kid decides to teach the image-conscious ruler a lesson about what really matters - but they unexpectedly become friends. She is soon faced with a decision: should she tell the truth and risk his disapproval, or pretend like everyone else? This silly send-up has an anti-materialism message, and encourages all of us be truthful about who we really are. The production is recommended for ages five and up and runs approximately one hour with no intermission. 

“It a fun, silly show on the surface, but it’s filled with heart and has a beautiful message about being yourself,” says Magik’s Managing Artistic Director Frances Limoncelli. “I’m sure parents and teachers will be curious how we’re going to reveal the Emperor without clothes for a family-friendly audience, but we’ve got a cartoony-looking solution that has him totally covered up.”

April 22 at 2:00 p.m. is opening day, which will be a celebration of silly fashion. Audience members are encouraged to wear something fun and outrageous. Magik will welcome special guests from Roy Maas Youth Alternatives to kick-off a clothing drive for the 120 children and adults in their care. Members of the public are encouraged to bring clothing or toiletry donations to the theatre any time during the run of the show, which closes June 3. Items requested include: girls’ socks age 6-22; boys’ socks age 6-22; girls underwear age 6-22; boys underwear age 6-22; shampoo; conditioner; deodorant; toothpaste; toothbrushes; lotion; hair spray; barrettes, ponytail holders and other hair accessories; and any other youth clothing items.

 Special events:

The 2016-2017 Magik season is the first where every production will offer a Sensory-Friendly performance. For The Emperor’s New Threads it will take place Saturday, May 20 at 2:00 p.m. Sensory-Friendly performances are slightly adjusted for people on the autism spectrum, those with cognitive disabilities, or anyone who might enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, such as very young children. Lights and sound effects are softened, theatre etiquette is relaxed, and all are accepted and welcomed.

Thanks to a grant from the USAA Foundation, all active or retired members of the military will receive $5 tickets for their entire party for the Military Night performance on May 20 at 7:00 p.m. Call to reserve tickets. 

Feature by Deborah Martin, San Antonio Express-New, April 27, 2017

                        

Cast and Production Team

The cast for The Emperor’s New Threads includes: Rosa Gardner (Mom/June/Marissa/Primp), Jovi Lee (Kid), Riley Thomas (Dad/Huckster/Preen), and Travis Trevino (the Emperor), and Randee Lutterlow (Understudy). Written and directed by Frances Limoncelli with music and lyrics by George Howe, scenic design by Joe Cooley, costume design by Elizabeth Wislar, lighting design by John Patrick Smith, and props design by Greg Hinojosa.

Recommended for kids 5 and up.

Click for reviews of the 2013 production by Lifeline Theatre, Chicago

 

[poster from Magik Theatre; secondary poster mage via Chicago Tribune]

 

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The Emperor's New Threads
by Frances Limoncelli
Magik Theatre

The Emperor’s New Threads runs Friday, April 21 to Saturday, June 3, 2017 at The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo, San Antonio, Texas 78205. Opening is Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. (Previews are Friday, April 21 at 9:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.) Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., select Saturdays at 7:00 p.m., and most Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 9:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. when school is in session (see website).    Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children ages 2 to 17, lap children under 2 are free. $12 tickets are available for active-duty or retired military, educators, and seniors 60+ with ID.  Groups of 15 or more are $10 per ticket. Tickets may be purchased at The Magik Theatre Box Office, 210.227.2751, or by visiting www.magiktheatre.org.   A party room is available for full-service birthday parties. Parking is available at one of Hemisfair Park’s parking lots, hemisfair.org. The Magik Theatre is accessible by VIA Viva bus, viainfo.net.