Theater News

Casting Set for Greg Borowsky, Douglas Lyons, and Melvin Tunstall III's Polkadots

”Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical” will run at Atlantic Theater Company.

Douglas Lyons is the coauthor of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical.
Douglas Lyons is the coauthor of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical.
(© David Gordon)

Casting is set for the upcoming Atlantic for Kids production of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical, inspired by Ruby Bridges and the Little Rock Nine. The show features music by Greg Borowsky and Douglas Lyons, lyrics and concept by Douglas Lyons, a book by Melvin Tunstall III, and direction by Tamilla Woodard. It will open September 16 and run Saturday and Sunday mornings through October 8.

Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical follows eight-year-old Lily Polkadot, who just moved to the "Squares only" small town of Rockaway. As the first Polkadot in an all-Square school, Lily faces an almost impossible task of gaining acceptance from her peers. From daily bullying to segregated drinking fountains, Lily’s quest seems hopeless until she meets Sky, a shy Square boy whose curiosity for her unique polka-dot skin blooms into an unexpected pal-ship. Inspired by the events of the Little Rock Nine, Polkadots serves as a colorful history lesson for children, reminding them that our individual differences make us awesome, not outcasts.

Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical will feature an ensemble cast of young actors, including Latoya Edwards (Lily Polkadot), Chris Renalds (Sky Square), Brooke Sweeney (Penelope Square), and Stephanie Toups (Ms. Square / Mama Square). The production has musical direction by Ted Arthur, choreography by Shea Sullivan, and orchestrations by Ethan Pakchar. Additional team members include Ryan Howell (scenic design), Nicole Slaven (costume design), Amith A. Chandrashaker (lighting design), and Brian Strumwasser (wig/makeup design).

For tickets and more information, click here.

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