Maddy's Theatre announces upcoming Playwright Talkbacks
PORTLAND, MAINE - Maddy’s Theatre announces two Talkbacks with the playwrights of Frederick, the Musical and Crisscrossing the Galaxy at Faster than the Speed of Light for a Hug. Talkbacks are a chance for audiences to get to know the playwright, find out the inspiration behind the show, and learn more about the playwriting process.
Maddy’s Theatre's current production, Frederick, the Musical, opened December 3rd, 2021, as the first musical in the new theatre space on Thompson’s Point. The story follows Frederick, a mouse who has his head in the clouds while the rest of his mouse family collects seeds, nuts, and berries for winter. When the darkest days of winter finally arrive and the mice have exhausted their supplies and stories, it is Frederick who has stored up something special to save the day. The play was adapted for the stage by Suzanne Maynard Miller, with music and lyrics by Sarah Durkee and Paul Jacobs.
Playwright Suzanne Maynard Miller
Suzanne Maynard Miller's plays for young audiences include Frederick (Dramatic Publishing; “Distinguished Play Award,” American Alliance for Theatre and Education), Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Show! (based on the book by David McKee), Pete the Cat (based on the book by James Dean and Eric Litwin), and Shake it Up Like Joe: A Zoo(m) Play. Currently in development is a stage adaptation of Mesmerized (based on the book by Mara Rockliff). Her work has been seen throughout the US, the UK, and Asia. Miller is an Associate Professor of English at New York City College of Technology, CUNY, and she previously taught writing and theater at Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. In addition, Miller has been an artist-in-residence in the Seattle, Providence, and New York City public schools, and in the Adult Correctional Institution in Rhode Island. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Miller went on to receive her MFA in playwriting from Brown University. Miller was an original company member of Annex Theatre in Seattle. She lives with husband, two daughters, and Labradoodle in Brooklyn.
Suzanne Maynard Miller will be attending the Frederick, the Musical, show on Tuesday, December 28, at 4pm and the Talkback will happen immediately following the performance. Audience members are encouraged to stay and interact with the playwright and actors. “It’s an honor for Frederick to be the first official musical at Maddy’s Theater!” says playwright Suzanne Maynard Miller. “I am so pleased to be part of this endeavor. As a native New Englander, it means a lot to me to have a production in this renowned and historical children’s theater just a bit north of Rhode Island, where I grew up and first fell in love with theater. Thank you for inviting Frederick (and me) into your community… I am wicked thrilled to be here!”
Crisscrossing the Galaxy at Faster than the Speed of Light for a Hug will have its world premier on Maddy’s Theatre stage on January 21st, 2022. Directed by Reba Askari, the play follows the protagonist, Skylar, who just wants a hug. They live in a technology obsessed world where there’s little human contact- their father can’t even remember what a hug is. With their faithful robot dog, Einstein, Skylar decides to travel the galaxy in search of human connection. On their adventure, the pair encounter strange alien beings, celestial objects, and a vision of Earth’s possible future. This will be the first intergenerational play in the new theatre space, featuring young actors on Maddy’s Theatre stage!
Playwright Paco José Madden
Playwright Paco José Madden got his start in theater for youth working with children to write plays with Young Playwrights Theater in Washington, DC. He also wasn't happy with most children's theater being produced. Paco wanted to create stories that moved beyond typical fairy tales and myths to write adventurous visionary stories that entertained and challenged children's perceptions of what is possible. Other TYA plays include the video game inspired Yasmin's Alien Invasion Adventure (Selection, Purple Crayon Players Playground Festival of Fresh Works, 2017), the cosplay inspired You Gotta Have Faith (top 5 for New Plays for Young Audiences, 2019) and the gamebook inspired Choose Your Own Quest: Labyrinth Of Secrets (Finalist, Purple Crayon Players Playground Festival of Fresh Works, 2022). Paco also writes plays for adult audiences, screenplays, and tv scripts.
Paco José Madden will be attending the Crisscrossing the Galaxy at Faster than the Speed of Light for a Hug show on January 29th, at 4 pm and the Talkback will happen immediately following the performance. Audience members are encouraged to stay and interact with the playwright and actors. Paco José Madden says "Amazing! It's great to see this sciency space adventure come to life,” about the world premier in Maddy’s Theatre.