Eastern Michigan University's Theatre for the Young program is bringing its current musical tour, “Ronnie and Scales’ Magnificent Tale” to EMU.
The play will be performed at the Sponberg Theater on Friday, March 15 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 16 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through EMU's website, over the phone at the number 734-487-2282, and in person at Sponberg Theater’s box office. Tickets are $6.
“Ronnie and Scales’ Magnificent Tale” is designed for neurodivergent audiences in special education classrooms, though anyone and everyone is welcome and can enjoy the show. The play involves interaction with the audience, including them as a part of the story. Audience members are even allowed on stage.
“This show is extremely interactive. And it really hits what you would call your sixth sense, so like your kinesthetic sense. So the students are up and moving and dancing with us. And we're chatting with them and answering questions as they arise," Sam Carter, the director said.
The storyline follows Ronnie, who wants to go swimming with the family’s pet fish, Scales. Unfortunately, fall has arrived at Ronnie’s house, so she must use her imagination instead, which leads to magical things happening. Though the play has solid plot points, it also involves improv to accommodate the audience's interaction and their special interests.
“In this performance. The students [as in the audience] are the star... We are just helpers. We are helping them experience the performance but they are the star 100% all of the time," Carter said.
The cast is made up of EMU graduate and undergraduate students. Olivia Allen plays Ronnie and Casseia Fifelski plays Scales. The show also features Tessa Hanrath as Octet and Sean Edwards, Kiauna Rieves, Erin Bucienski, Wesley Foster, Evie Brokaw, and Tyra Hampton as paraplayers.
The play’s set includes multiple textures and has a tactile wall. They are meant to appeal both to the eyes and touch, allowing for a multi-sensory experience.
The show has a run time of roughly 45 minutes. There is no intermission but audience members are welcome to come and go as they please.
The tour began on March 8 at Country Elementary, it will continue playing every Friday until April 19. The March 15 and 16 shows are the only ones at EMU.
The tour's next stops are Play Awhile Speech Therapy, Johnson Upper Elementary School, High Point School, Frost Middle School, Canton Public Library, Adams Middle School, Lawton Elementary, Owen Intermediate, and Edgemont Elementary.
EMU Theatre’s press release stated, “We believe theatre should not be a luxury or privilege, but available and accessible to all who want to participate."
The composition was created by EMU faculty member Ryan Mackenzie Lewis, who is also the show’s pianist. Lyrics were written by Carter. The storyline itself was a collaborative effort between the crew, created during rehearsals based on Carter’s outline. The story is still evolving based on audience feedback.
Set and props were designed by Mia Irwin. The costumes were designed by Shea Dennie.
This tour is partly supported by an award from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the National Endowments for the Arts.
