Stage Door News
Toronto: Young People’s Theatre presents “Where the Wild Things Are” November 7-17
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Young People’s Theatre (YPT) is thrilled to kick off its 2024.25 Season with a sold out run of the wildly popular Where the Wild Things Are from Vancouver’s Presentation House Theatre. This interactive adaptation of the cherished book by Maurice Sendak has been playing to sold out audiences across Canada and the US. Directed by PHT Artistic Director Kim Selody, this engaging show is filled with guided play for ages 3 to 7. Where the Wild Things Are roars into the Studio Nov. 7 – 17, 2024.
“Maurice Sendak clearly understood what children need,” says Selody. “He once said, ‘Children are honest, brave, and want to know the truth.’ This production continues to bring joy to audiences and is always an invigorating challenge for the performers. I am in awe of what they achieve every time they play the show.”
YPT Artistic Director Herbie Barnes explains the enduring appeal of the story. “It is hard to open the book and not be drawn into the illustrations and adventure. The story transports us. We all want to be as brave as Max and face the Wild Things and become a leader. Whether you’re 3 or 93, you know that feeling.”
Where the Wild Things Are explores such themes as managing your emotions and journeying into the unknown. Young Max uses his imagination to transform his bedroom into an exotic jungle and sail away to the land of the Wild Things. After being crowned king of these magical creatures, Max must make a decision: stay and rule the Wild Things or return home.
In this highly interactive production, young ones and their adults can jump right in and join the wild ride.
Performers: Linda A. Carson and Victor Mariano; Set, Props & Costume Design: Linda Leon; Lighting Design: Brad Trenaman; Composer & Sound Designer: Cathy Nosaty; Head Technician: Kaeden Atkinson-Hill; Stage Manager: Giselle Clarke-Trenaman.
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
Based on the book by Maurice Sendak
Originally adapted for the stage by TAG Theatre Glasgow, Scotland
A Presentation House Theatre Production
Directed by Kim Selody
Performances:
Weekdays: Nov. 7, 8, 12, 13 & 14 – SOLD OUT
Weekends: Nov. 9, 10, 16 & 17 (10:30AM, 1:00PM, 3:30PM) – SOLD OUT
Recommended for ages 3-7
Run time: Approx. 65 minutes, plus post-show Q&A
For more information, visit www.youngpeoplestheatre.org
LINDA A. CARSON – Performer (Mom/Narrator)
Linda, a graduate of Vancouver’s Studio 58, has performed in theatres across Canada, Japan, Europe, Australia and the US. Linda has written several plays including Jack and the Bean (YPT); Mom’s The Word (co-wrote); George and Martha (Adapted from James Marshal); Hear To Here (Carousel Players); So How Should I Be? and Driving Me Crazy (Co-wrote with Suzanne Ristic).
VICTOR MARIANO – Performer (Max)
Victor (he/him) is a Vancouver-based theatre artist with a focus on physical theatre and work for young audiences. Recent and favourite stage credits include: Heavy and Light, Learning and Forgetting and Pop! Pop! (Presentation House Theatre); The House at Pooh Corner and The Velveteen Rabbit (Carousel Theatre for Young People); Suddenly Slaughter (The Biting School); and Die Hard: The Musical-ish (District 13 Presents). Since 2008, Vic has also worked extensively as a drama instructor and workshop facilitator at several elementary schools in the North Vancouver area (The Firefly Project), at Carousel Theatre for Young People, the Gateway Academy, the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, and the School for the Contemporary Arts (Simon Fraser University), where he received his BFA in Theatre Performance.
KIM SELODY – Director
Kim Selody has worked as a writer, director and actor in Canadian theatre for over 30 years, directing more than 100 productions, many world premieres for youth and young audiences. Playwriting credits include Silverwing, The Hobbit, Fool’s Angel, Synthetic Energy, Suddenly Shakespeare and The Last Drop. Kim wrote and co-created L’en Vol Du L’ange for Montreal’s Dynamo Theatre and co-created and directed a musical version of The Cat Came Back with Jay Brazeau and Fred Penner for MTYP. Kim has served as Artistic Director of the Playwrights Theatre Centre, Carousel Players in Southern Ontario, and at Presentation House Theatre since 2011.