Practicing the scene “how to stay home from school” from the upcoming Theatre-at-Tusculum production of “How to Eat Like a Child” are, from left, Emma Beddingfield, Reagan Bunch and Allie Shelton.
Theatre-at-Tusculum and Actors Coming Together will invite audiences to revisit their childhood in the production of the musical comedy, “How Eat Like a Child (And Other Lessons in NOT Being a Grown-Up)” during the weekends of Feb. 27-March 1 and March 5-8.
The musical will be performed at 7 p.m. on Feb. 27-28 and March 5-7 in the Behan Arena Theatre (lower level side entrance) of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building. Sunday matinees are scheduled at 2 p.m. on March 1 and 8.
Director Marilyn duBrisk has assembled a cast of 28 talented young people for a hilarious musical romp through the joys and sorrows of childhood. Lessons in such subjects as how to beg for a dog, how to act after being sent to your room, how to laugh hysterically, and of course, how to eat like a child are presented in a series of fast-paced vignettes that should delight and amuse both the young and the young at heart.
“How to Eat Like a Child” is based on the book of the same by Delia Ephron and has been adapted for the stage with book by Ephron, Judith Kahan and John Forster, who also wrote the music and lyrics. The musical version was originally produced as a NBC prime time television special in 1981 starring Dick Van Dyke.
The stage production has been called a “musical revue for children that can also be enjoyed by adults [with] a charming and witty score” by Backstage magazine. “Applause, applause, applause!” wrote Steve Allen and the Hollywood Reporter called it “delightfully clever.” TV Guide praised the show’s Broadway-style songs and imaginative script.”
Assisting duBrisk in bringing this production to the stage are assistant director Brian Ricker, vocal director Angie Clendenon and choreographer Kim Berry. Costume creation is under the direction of Barbara Holt, and the stage and lighting design is by Frank Mengel. Pianist Christopher Beste will provide musical accompaniment.
Admission for the performance is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 60 and over and $5 for children. For ticket information or reservations, please contact Jennifer Hollowell, Arts Outreach coordinator, at 423-798-1620 or by email at jhollowell@tusculum.edu.
“How to Eat Like a Child” features a series of fast-paced vignettes about the joys and sorrows of childhood including “how to ride in a car,” featuring Dawson Ottinger, Emma Waddell and Jorja Ward, front row from left, and Jade Ward, Victoria Oliver and Dawson McGill, back row from left.