Sat 10/20 @ 8pm
Kids entertainment is largely hit or miss. To find quality children’s music, art and theatre, you have to dig beyond the Disney princesses, those oh-so-peppy Wiggles and all that mass marketed junk to get to the good stuff — stuff that embraces creativity and exposes kids to new cultures, ideas and ways of thinking.
So, as culturally-minded parents, we’re always on the lookout for new forms of kids entertainment. Luckily, this past year we’ve witnessed the birth and first performance of Talespinner Children’s Theatre (TCT), a new troupe bringing internationally-inspired folk tales to the stage.
We recently spoke with Alison Garrigan, Executive Artistic Director of Talespinner Children’s Theatre [and pictured above], on what makes TCT different from other companies. She also talks about upcoming the Glam Rock Costume Party Extravaganza on Sat 10/20 benefiting TCT. The party, to be held at Mahall’s, will feature live music from Diamond Dogs – The Sound and Vision of David Bowie, complimentary bowling, cash bar, silent auction and prizes for the most glam couples. Unleash your inner Ziggy Stardust and help a great cause!
Cool Cleveland: Why did you start Talespinner Children’s Theatre?
Alison Garrigan: I have wanted to start a children’s theatre for about a decade…. I have been involved in children’s theatre since the beginning of my professional career, and have always been drawn to, and inspired by intelligent and highly creative arts for kids.
I think that arts in the life of a child, any and every child, are invaluable, and to provide a chance for them to expand their artistic, cultural, imaginative, creative and world experience through the performing arts is absolutely amazing. There is nothing like watching the eyes of a child light up in understanding and delight as that creative light bulb goes on for them. A lot of things fell into place for me, and I decided to follow my dream of creating a collaborative, engaging, educational, and EXCITING theatre for kids… and one that lets the artists working on the pieces grow and feel ownership of their work.
How is Talespinner different from other children’s theatres?
Talespinner Children’s Theatre is a professional company that produces new and creative works for kids. The twists that are different for TCT are that the productions are all truly collaborative–created in what I call a “found theatre” style that incorporates elements of any and all different artistic disciplines that the artists working on a given show may bring to the table–you could see practically anything creative show up on our stage… There could be drumming, tumbling, singing, dancing, magic, kabuki, mime, masks–dozens of other things…and we use different kinds of puppets with live performers on the same stage.
One of the things that TCT strives to do is put everything out there where the kids can see it–for instance, if the puppets can be seen, so can the people working them. We like to demystify, without taking away the magic. The pieces created by TCT (and its artists) are based on one of four foundations: international folktales, faerie tales, mythology, and reworkings of the base materials for other disciplines like opera or ballet (hence our upcoming production of MAGIC FLUTE that opens on December 1st) and incorporate elements of international theatrical traditions and styles.
TCT’s shows are also highly interactive–we like to leave the kids feeling like they were actually a part of what took place in the story. To follow that up, after the show, kids are invited to meet the actors, touch the costumes, the puppets, play the instruments, and ask any questions they may have of the performers. It’s a great educational experience, and it’s been amazing watching and talking to the kids as they go on the story journey.
Talk about what Glam Rock means to you and why a Glam Rock Theme for a Talespinner benefit?
Oh, Glam Rock. It’s magical, and funny, and silly, and sincere, and in your face, and colorful, and melodious…and…and…And. VERY theatrical. Glam is one of my favorite kinds of music to play, as a musician, because it just dances, and it lends itself to story-telling. Glam Rock seemed a perfect theme for a benefit for TCT because it has such a sense of drama and fun underneath it. It is willing to poke fun at itself, and more than that, it lets adults play dress up and be playful, a little child-like.
The music is perfect “feel-good” party music. And Glam was ground-breaking, it explored new territories–and then, of course, there’s the GLITTER. Anyone who knows me knows how important THAT is! I also admit that I’m a Bowie geek, and it’s going to be so awesome to have Diamond Dogs play for us that night (they’re really, really good!)
Have you heard the new Ziggy Stardust just re-released on 180 gram audiophile vinyl?
NO. And I am dying to!!!
Any additional info on the benefit besides what we have below?
We are having an incredible Silent Auction at the benefit, and some of the items on the table will be merchandise from Mini Cake, tickets to CPT, a web design package, gift certificates to local restaurants (Fire, Souper Market, MoCa, Players–to name a few), Aligorey handmade doll, pottery by ceramics artist Gina DeSantis, Steampunk hats, tickets to Great Lakes Theatre, tickets to Cleveland Play House, tickets to the CIM opera season, a Women in History performance package, and much, much more.
We’d also like to say thank you to Kelly and Company at Mahall’s for being so AMAZING!!
The Glam Rock Costume Party Extravaganza is on Sat 10/20 at 8pm @ Mahall’s 20 Lanes. Glam attire is strongly encouraged! Buy tickets at http://TalespinnerChildrensTheatre.org/news/benefit.htm.