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Children’s
Theatre Presents “New Kid”
Children’s
Theatre of Charlotte’s Tarradiddle Players explore what it is like to adjust
to life in a strange new country in “New Kid” (February 2-11). Both funny
and poignant, this socially relevant story of bullying, cultural assimilation,
and overcoming preconceptions will surprise and delight audiences.
“New
Kid” tells the story of Nick, a young boy from the fictitious country of
Homeland, who moves to
America
with his parents to start a new life. He misses the friends he has left behind,
and is confused by the new ways of speaking, dressing, eating, and behaving that
he encounters in
America
. Nick, his mother, and the American students that Nick meets must learn how to
communicate, share their customs, and make new friends by practicing tolerance
and acceptance.
Playwright
Dennis Foon wrote the script so that the American characters speak in gibberish,
while the Homelanders speak in English. This unique theatrical device allows
audiences to experience the frustration and uncertainty of being unable to
communicate in a new world. “New Kid” evolved from a workshop Foon conducted
with students at a Vancouver,
Canada
school who came from many different countries and language groups.
“Because
the audience identifies with the immigrant characters, we spend the performance
in the shoes of a new arrival to this country,” says Director Matt Cosper.
“This production is a rare chance for people to consider the perspective of a
stranger in a strange land, just trying to fit in."
“New
Kid” stars the 2006-07 Tarradiddle Players company: Robby Fulton, Leslie Ann
Giles, Chaz Pofahl, and Greta Marie Zandstra.
Performance
times and dates are as follows:
Friday,
February 2
7:30 pm
Saturday,
February 3
3:00 pm
Sunday.
February 4
2:00 pm
Friday,
February 9
7:30 pm
Saturday,
February 10
3:00 pm
Sunday,
February 11
2:00 pm
Sunday,
February 11
4:00 pm
Performances
will be held in the Wachovia Playhouse at ImaginOn,
300 East 7th Street
. Front Orchestra tickets are $18.00; General Admission tickets are
$14.00. For tickets to the production, call the Children’s Theatre Box Office
at 704-973-2828 (10 am-5 pm, Mon.-Fri.) or visit our website: www.ctcharlotte.org.
Recommended for ages 7 and up.
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