ANNOUNCING OUR 2023-2024 PRODUCTION WORKSHOPS

PPAA's Production Workshops offer young performers the opportunity to hone their crafts with workshops in acting, singing and dance, while also putting up a full scale musical production or play in an exciting intensive setting. In our 9TH Season we are exploring BRAVERY! Our musical adventures take us down the Yellow Brick Road and Into The Woods, following courageous characters who fearlessly face bullies, wizards, and giants; stand up for what they believe in; and discover there's no place like home!

ABOUT THE SHOWS:

The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition - This stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved story, features the characters and celebrated songs from the MGM’s blockbuster 1939 film, and brings the wondrous Land of Oz to life in a jubilant theatrical experience. Join Dorothy and her loyal companion Toto as they “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” through the Land of Oz, determined to reach the Emerald City, where the great and powerful Wizard of Oz will help them get home. Of course, along the way, Dorothy befriends a Scarecrow with no brain, a Tin Man with no heart, and a Lion with no “nerve.” Their journey to happiness – and self-awareness – is a glowing testament to friendship, understanding and hope in a world filled with both beauty and ugliness.

Urinetown The Musical - Winner of three Tony Awards, three Outer Critics Circle Awards, two Lucille Lortel Awards and two Obie Awards, Urinetown is a hilarious musical satire of the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, environmental collapse, privatization of natural resources, bureaucracy, municipal politics, and musical theatre itself! Hilariously funny and touchingly honest, Urinetown provides a fresh perspective on one of America's greatest art forms. In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides that he's had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom! Inspired by the works of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill, Urinetown is an irreverently humorous satire in which no one is safe from scrutiny. Praised for reinvigorating the very notion of what a musical could be, Urinetown catapults the "comedic romp" into the new millennium with its outrageous perspective, wickedly modern wit and sustained ability to produce gales of unbridled laughter.

A Year With Frog and Toad KIDS - Adapted from the three-time-Tony-nominated Broadway hit comes A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS. Based on Arnold Lobel's well-loved books, the jazzy, upbeat score bubbles with melody. Part vaudeville, part make-believe, and all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons. This whimsical show follows two great friends – the cheerful, popular Frog, and the rather grumpy Toad – through four fun-filled seasons. Waking from hibernation, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. Throughout the year, two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS is a great first choice for young performers, with plenty of ensemble roles, accessible music and minimal sets and costumes. The treasured characters from the children’s books and the beautiful Broadway musical hop from page to stage in this story of friendship and adventure.

Into the Woods Jr. - Be careful what you wish for, as Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s cockeyed fairytale comes to life in this adaptation of their groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning musical. Into the Woods JR. features all of your favorite characters — Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) and the Witch — in this lyrically rich retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables. The musical centers on a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse, and wind up changed forever. With unforgettable roles, minimal dancing and no chorus, Into the Woods JR. showcases a medium-sized ensemble of talented singers and actors. The sophisticated score has been adapted to make it more accessible to young performers.

Honk Jr. - Since it first hatched in 1993, Stiles & Drewe's musical, Honk!, has winged its way around the world in over 8,000 productions and in many different languages. Winner of multiple awards, including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical, this heartwarming celebration of being different is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its sparkling wit and memorable score. Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother's protective flapping. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out that being different is not a bad thing to be. Perfect for casts of all sizes and budgets, small or large, Honk! is a popular family-friendly pick. The musical is also ideal for showcasing the talents of younger actors. With its bouncing score and universal story, this touching musical with plenty of heart will captivate audiences. This delightful and award-winning adaptation of one of the world's most beloved fables is a heartwarming celebration of what makes us special.

All Academy classes, workshops and auditions will take place in our Rehearsal Studios: 111 Church St. Hartland, WI 53029.

For questions regarding Performing Arts Academy programming, contact education@lakecountryplayhousewi.org