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The NOLA Project Show ArchiveA Kingdom of Statues A Kingdom of Statues Written and Directed By James Bartelle May 2008: Muriel’s Cabaret Theatre at Le Petit Theatre A.J. Allegra: Prince Jude Andrew Larimer: Harold Angela Papale: Jester/ Linda RosaLinda James Yeargain: Blartsom/ King Thadu Kathlyn Tarwater: Page  Richard Alexander Pomes: Stanwick Sean Glazebrook: Witch/ Wizard Hanna Adams: Lighting Design Gabrielle Reisman: Costume Design Kyle Herbert: Sound Design Alex Ates: Light Technician Andrew Larimer: Puppet Design A delightful tale of peace, magic, love and friendship. James Bartelle's hilarious children's play for the whole family follows an unlikely group of friends who have to break a witch's spell that turns kings into statues, jesters into mutes and knights into chimpanzees! Can our heroes find a peaceful way to save the day before it's too late? some personal history… I wrote this play with three questions in mind: Can I write a children's show that does not talk down to kids? Can I write a children's show that does not talk down to adults? Can I put Sean Glazebrook in a long grey wig and make both children and adults believe that he is an evil witch? At least the last question was answered with an astounding yes when one young audience member exclaimed upon Mr Glazebrook's entrance "Disgusting!" And it was true. He was quite hideous. I have found in my experience as a theatre maker that there is no audience member more honest than a four year old girl who comes to the show dressed as a ballerina or a seven year old boy who stands up from his seat, outraged that the prince and the princess share a kiss at the end, and that he should have to watch. Also, kids scream a lot when they're watching theatre. Just to let you know they enjoy it. And, in that sense, I think we all have a lot to learn from children.—James Bartelle  The dressing room overlooked Jackson Square and I'd sew with the balcony windows open to hear the tourists and busker brass bands and the carriage drivers' spiel- "...and if you look to your right, you'll see the Cabildo, built in 1795, the seat of the Spanish government..." It felt very Parisian, to watch, as I sewed, the square change from day to night. I felt like the world's luckiest unpaid costumer. When the brass bands went home and the air cooled off, I would turn up 'OZ, stop for a minute the machine, and dance.—Gabrielle Reismanawards 2009 Stoorer Boone Award for Best Children’s Production  |
