Sponsored Post - The Monkey King: A Kung-fusical Presented By Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance Children's Theatre Friday May 11 - Monday May 14 - Get Your Tickets

The Roosevelt Island Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance Children's Theatre is presenting The Monkey King: A Kung-fusical this coming weekend Friday May 11 - Monday May 14.

According to MST&DA:

“The Monkey King: A Kung-fusical” (written by Jonathan & Kimbirdlee Fadner) is a theatrical retelling of an ancient Chinese legend infused with a clever storyline and heart-pumping music. The legend has entertained all ages for centuries with a cast of mythical creatures that can transform and transcend earthly realms and triumph amidst epic battles. But can you imagine what happens when the King is born and he is… a woman!? The Fadners light up this tale with a shocking modern twist that will inspire everyone to take action and be inspired toward positive change.

Recommended for ages 4+

Performances are:

• Friday  May 11 7pm (Cast 2)
• Saturday May 12 2pm (Cast 2)
• Saturday May 12 7pm (Cast 1)
• Sunday May 13 2pm (Cast 1)
• Sunday May 13 7pm (Cast 2)
• Monday May 14 7pm (Cast 1)

at the Howe Theatre in the Roosevelt Island Cultural Center 548 Main Street. 

Tickets are:

• General Admission $20
• Seniors/Students $15 ​

MST&DA adds:

MST&DA Children’s Theatre has been running for many years, but 2017-18 started a new era for the program. Jacqueline Lucid, former director of this popular Roosevelt Island drama program, handed her directing torch to Kimbirdlee Fadner (CMM, NAAP) after many successful years of leadership. In addition, Kristi Towey, MST&DA Executive Director, commissioned Jonathan (CMM, NAAP, NYU, Northanger Abbey, Queens Theatre) and Kimbirdlee Fadner to create an original musical for MST&DA.

Photo From Irina Island Images

There are two casts, with over 40 kids between the ages of 8-12yrs, in this production.

Photo From Irina Island Images

For young actors, it is a unique experience to be the first to perform this musical written just for them! There were many facets to this production. Rehearsals took place once a week. The children also took part in a free Saturday workshop called “Set the Stage”, led by talented prop designer from Roosevelt Island, Ning Chang. The “Set the Stage” kids worked together to build set pieces, make weapons, rocks, trees and masks. Kimbirdlee Fadner designed the scenic backdrop, but the brush strokes of many children and adults helped bring color to the canvas. Amelia Dombrowski (NYU, Laguardia High School), built all the costumes from scratch, but kids and parents sewed, stitched and cut the pieces that became their stunning costumes. This was truly a hands-on learning experience.

The Fadners were inspired to adapt a traditional Chinese folktale, “The Monkey King”, into a modern tale that offers a new perspective on an old way of thinking. Their mission is to send out a positive and powerful message in a time where people of all ages, races and genders are bombarded by questions of identity and equality. The hero of the show, Monkey King, stares down the faces and kicks the butts of her tribe’s oppressors through a foot stomping, fist pumping, beat-driven musical score. She tells her tribe, “Maybe I’m not who you thought that I’d be, but I’m all that you thought that I’d be… and so much more!”. Through her journey, Monkey King must prove first to her tribe and then to the mighty patriarchy that she is worthy of the title of King. In doing so, the entire tribe learns to stand their ground, even when they are scared, and fight for what they want the world to be!

“The Monkey King” Creative Team:
Written by Jonathan and Kimbirdlee Fadner
Composer
Jonathan Fadner
Director
Kimbirdlee Fadner
Music Director
Jonathan Fadner
Asst. Director & Stage Manager
Kaitlyn Abdul
Costume Design
Amelia Dombrowski
Lighting Design
Andrew Trent
Graphic Designers
Jerry Fadner and John Dougherty
Photographer
Irina Island Images
MST&DA Executive Director
Kristi Towey

Click here for more info and to buy tickets for the MST&DA Children's Theatre performance of The Monkey King: A Kung-fusical.

Roosevelt Island photographer Irina Hage shares these photos from The Monkey King: A Kung-fusical dress rehearsal.

Images From Irina Hage

Here's how you get to MST&DA at 548 Main Street.





Click here for more info and to buy tickets for the MST&DA Children's Theatre performance of The Monkey King: A Kung-fusical.