by Kelli Samson for OLY ARTS
Let Olympia Family Theater take you on a fantastic voyage during its 2017-2018 season. “All good stories take us on a journey in some way,” says artistic director Jen Ryle. Each season, OFT strives to bring us something old, something new and something original to the theater, plus something in which kids can take part as actors and something for even the youngest of audience members.
Kicking things off will be Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat under the direction of Olympia gem Kate Ayers.
OFT’s co-founder Samantha Chandler directs the classic tale of Winnie the Pooh, this year’s performance starring youth actors. Auditions for young actors will be announced on OFT’s Facebook page and in its email newsletter this fall.
The play 3 Impossible Questions, a timely production that’s already creating a bond between OFT and Islamic Center of Olympia, is based on tales from Muslim folklore and has been adapted by OLY ARTS’ managing editor, Christian Carvajal. It’ll be directed by Ted Ryle and features a small number of roles for youth actors.
Kate DiCamillo’s beloved book The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane will be produced on stage under the direction of Olympia High School’s talented Kathy Dorgan.
The season closes with the hysterical musical Cinder Edna under the direction of Jen Ryle. For those unaware, Edna was Ella’s neighbor and one heck of a casserole baker. Expect laughs for adults and children alike, with songs no one minds humming for days.
Taking a cue from last season, OFT also features Tales Told in Ten, a festival of original, 10-minute plays previously called Double Shot. These will be onstage November 4 and 5 only.
Ryle continues to find things that surprise her at OFT. “Even after 12 years,” she acknowledges, “we are still finding more and more people who love what we do and are willing to be a part of it.”
What: Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat
Where: Olympia Family Theater,
612 Fourth Ave. E, Olympia
When: Sept. 29 – Oct. 22
How much: $13-$19
Learn more: 360-570-1638 | OFT