The Secret of Soap & Spin
by Pollyanna Theatre Company
May. 12 - May. 20, 2018
Thursdays-Mondays
Central Texas’ most well-known children’s theatre company, Pollyanna Theatre, a resident company of the Long Center for the Performing Arts, is thrilled to produce The Secret of the Soap & Spin, written by award-winning playwright Jonathan Graham. This new play, best suited for children grades 2 – 5, runs May 12 – 20, 2018 at the Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 West Riverside, Austin, TX 78704.
The Secret of the Soap & Spin tells the story of ten-year-old Vic, whose mother disappears at the Soap & Spin Laundromat. As he frantically searches for her, Vic comes across a strange out-of-order dryer, which turns out to be the portal to a secret, underground world populated by those who have escaped the normal world above. He meets Lint, Dusty (a vengeful dust bunny), and a worn-out Mop. Vic tries to find out if his mother is there, too. A metaphor for the opioid crisis, this play explores the struggle to recover from addiction, both for the addicted and those they’ve left behind.
“There is not an elementary school in America that doesn’t have students who are dealing with very adult issues like homelessness and what it means to have a parent or caregiver who is addicted to opioids. And the students who are not dealing with this reality in their own homes are often called upon to help their peers who are struggling,” says Pollyanna Theatre’s Artistic Director Judy Matetzschk-Campbell, “Theatre can provide a safe environment to explore some of life’s most challenging and scary situations, and Jonathan Graham’s newest play is just such an opportunity.”
As with all Pollyanna Theatre productions, the cast is comprised of adult, professional actors, including Benjamin Bazan, Chase Brewer, Bethany Harbaugh, Holly Palmer, Emily Smith, and William Swift. The show is directed by Judy Matetzschk-Campbell with sound design and atage management by Andrew Perry, Costume and puppet pesign by Colleen McCool, set design by Zac Crofford, light design by Natalie George and movement by Kelly Hasandras.
Parents, teachers and caregivers can download a free study guide to accompany the production by visiting http://www.pollyannatheatrecompany.org/teachers/lesson-plans/. The guide contains an overview of the play, educational objectives and pre/post discussion questions and activities.
ABOUT POLLYANNA THEATRE COMPANY: The founders of Pollyanna Theatre Company believe that theatre is a powerful teaching tool that speaks to people of all ages in a unique and powerful way through a variety of visual, aural, and emotional languages. Therefore, theatre should be a part of all general education from pre-kindergarten through adulthood. Toward that end, The Pollyanna Theatre Company works alongside educators to inspire, motivate, and teach audiences of all ages. Although the company’s primary focus is upon young audience members, the ensemble performs top quality theatrical productions that speak to and illuminate the human spirit and condition for all ages. www.pollyannatheatrecompany.org
ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT: Jonathan Graham is thrilled to return to Pollyanna, where he premiered The Thing in Grandma’s Closet in 2017 and The Boy Who Loved Monster and the Girl Who Loved Peas (published by Dramatic Publishing) in 2013. His other plays for young audiences include The Snow Queen (published by Playscripts and produced nationally) and A Squirrel Boy, A Robot Cat, But Also Parents which was workshopped last summer at Theatre 33 (Salem, Oregon). Jonathan lives in Richmond, Indiana with his wife, Jennie Kiffmeyer, his children, Ben and Lizzy, and two photogenic cats. He is associate vice president of marketing and communications at Earlham College.
The Secret of Soap & Spin
by Jonathan Graham
Pollyanna Theatre Company
May 12 - May 20, 2018
May 12 – 20, 2018
Weekend performances on Saturdays & Sundays at 2 pm
Weekday performances on Monday, Thursday & Friday at 9:30 am & 11:30 am
Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts
701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78704
TICKETS: Weekend tickets range from $10.50 - $13.50. Tickets may be purchased online by visiting www.pollytheatre.org. Weekdaytickets are $6 for individuals or $3 - $5 for groups, and can be reserved by calling (512) 743-7966 or emailing pollytheatre@gmail.com.
Discounts are available for groups of 10 people or more, and financial aid is available for families and schools who need it. For more information, call (512) 743-7966 or email pollytheatre@gmail.com.
