After two weeks of running “James and The Giant Peach,” The Mad Duckling Theatre looks forward to its upcoming show, “Free to be…You and Me”, which will reach both Eugene and Springfield beginning Tuesday, July 31.
The show will run until Aug. 4 at Day Island Park in Springfield, and from Aug. 7 to 11 at Amazon Park in Eugene.
Although usually held in the field outside of Robinson Theatre on campus, the expected construction of the soon-to-be Miller Theatre Complex forced the relocation. After Director James Engberg talked to both Eugene Recreation Services and Willamalane Park and Recreation District, he worked out a deal to present each of the two plays at locations in Eugene and Springfield.
“The relocation has turned out to be great and I am extraordinarily pleased,” Engberg said. “Our first week at Amazon Park, we had the largest attendance in eight years, about 375 people.”
This is Engberg’s second year directing, and he finds that the roaming presentation of the summer theater has benefited both the University and the surrounding communities.
“People seem to like the fact that we have extended out into their neighborhoods, and we very much like being there,” he said. Talk of making the location change permanent is up in the air, as funds and sponsorship need to be determined, although the ideal outcome would be for the plays to continue involving the Eugene/Springfield community.
Even though the cast is not allowed the convenience of a nearby classroom, the new locations have a quiet, secluded atmosphere that they have not enjoyed in previous years. The ruckus made by nearby Franklin Boulevard and Sacred Heart Medical Center has, in the past, been a prominent distraction. This year it is not an obstacle.
“Free to be,” as it has been nicknamed, is a story originating from a book and record by Marlo Thomas and Friends. It follows the experiences of four children as they learn life lessons and fully explore their imaginations. Engberg chose this story because he listened to Thomas’ record as a child and learned of the play adaptation. “I feel that this is an excellent story because it teaches kids that it is OK to be themselves.”
Engberg has enjoyed this year’s cast, and says he’s impressed with their creative drive.
“The shows have been really fun to work on,” Engberg said. “They have been let loose to play on their own and invent material for the show. The play starts out as a stack of paper with words and they make it to be a magical place.”
The story, which aired on television with many A-list celebrities, addresses issues such as gender roles, individuality and acceptance in a way that all ages can enjoy. It advocates a break of generalizations, such as boys don’t cry or play with dolls, and girls don’t do sports or live life without marriage. With singing, dancing and crowd participation, the audience is engaged in a humorous and thought-provoking show.
“I think that the most important lesson taught in ‘Free to be’ is tolerance,” said Rebecca Morus, a theater arts major playing the character Vickie. “Especially today, it’s good for kids to have that kind of exposure.”
The cast is excited to perform “Free to be..You and Me” for many reasons, including the unique interaction with the audience.
“This play is really playful,” said Jermaine Golden, who plays Richard. “The story is about kids discovering things, and the kids (in the audience) discover things with us.”
Mad Duckling Theatre is associated with surrounding schools and daycare facilities and offers a discount for groups of more than 10. Organizations including the YMCA, EWEB daycare and camps associated with both Eugene Recreation Services and Willamalane Park and Recreation attend the shows for free.
Rain has been a problem this year, causing one show to be canceled and driving two more to an indoor facility.
“The weather hasn’t been great,” Engberg said, “but hopefully it gets better so we can have a higher attendance.”
The Cast includes theater art majors Joseph Oyala, Charlotte Gallagher, Rebecca Morus and Jermaine Golden. Music in the performance is played by Andrew Barton and the stage is managed by Jennifer Wood.