Good fun on a bad day; Matchbox readies ‘Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day’
Published 10:43 am Thursday, February 4, 2016
Mandie Siems, playing the part of Alexander, in the Matchbox Children’s Theatre’s presentation of “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” during a sneak peek Wednesday night at the Paramount Theatre.
— Photos by Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Having a bad day is something everyone can relate to, and for Alexander the day just keeps getting worse.
Matchbox Children’s Theatre in Austin will continue its 41st season with a musical based on the popular children’s book “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.” Performances are 7 p.m. Friday, and at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the Historic Paramount Theatre, 125 Fourth Ave. NE in downtown Austin. The stage script stays true to the book, which was adapted for the stage by the author, Judith Viorst, who also wrote the lyrics.
“It’s very true to form,” Director Cameron Davis said. “It’s a little different than the movie. … The play is actually based very closely on the children’s book. There are a lot of lines in the play that come right out of the book.”
Alexander, some would say one of the feistiest characters in children’s literature, starts his day off with gum in his hair. Then his mom forgets to pack dessert in his lunch, and his best friend decides that he’s not his best friend anymore. If that’s not bad enough, Alexander’s brothers don’t have any cavities but he does. And just when it can’t get any worse, there are lima beans for supper and — yuck — kissing on TV.
Alexander’s struggles with life’s daily dramas will entertain and educate the audience as they identify with the obstacles he encounters, and get encouragement to share their feelings and realize that bad days happen to everyone.
“The play just acts out some of those scenarios and throws in some songs to make it interesting,” Davis said.
The cast of the Matchbox Children’s Theatre sings during Wednesday’s sneak peek of “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.”
“There is quite a bit of audience participation in the show, so we’re hoping audiences come ready and willing to play along with Alexander as he goes through his day,” he added.
Davis has directed several Matchbox productions. He has also taken on roles of set designer and technical director. Coni Nelson is the musical director and Jenny Dreyer is the assistant director and costumer. Davis described the all adult cast as a great group of strong singers and actors.
“It’s been one of the more energizing productions I’ve worked on in quite some time,” he said. “I’m very excited for it.”
The show is about an hour long, and Davis joked anyone who goes on Sunday should be out with plenty of time for the Superbowl.
“This is a nice, short show, it’s very appropriate especially for younger audiences,” Davis said. “I think this is one of those shows that’s very accessible to younger kids. That said, if families have some older kids, I think they’ll appreciate the production elements and have fun just seeing a play.”
Davis said the cast of seven actors who play a variety of roles is also excited for the performances.
“We’re coming down to the wire and I think everybody’s ready to get an audience in the seats there and perform for them,” he said.
The cast includes Mandie Siems, Kayla Byram, Alexa Ferguson, Laura Grote, Angela Kelly, Matt King and Nikki Phillips.
Matchbox Children’s Theatre is also supporting Paint the Town Pink in two different ways. Audience members can get a photo taken with the cast after each public performance for a suggested donation of $1, using their own cameras. A pretzel rod treat will also be sold in the lobby and all money raised through photo donations and pretzel rod sales will go to The Hormel Institute for breast cancer research. The regular Paramount concessions will also be available.
Tickets are on sale for $5 for kids ages 14 and younger and $8 for adults. Advance tickets are available online at austinareaarts.org or by visiting the ArtWorks Center on Main Street. Tickets will also be sold at the door beginning one hour before show time Friday through Sunday. All seating is general admission.
Contact Matchbox Children’s Theatre at 507-437-9078 with questions or visit their Facebook page. This play is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to an appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. The Matchbox Children’s Theatre board is also happy to work with the Austin Literacy Team on both this and the April play.
“Everyone should come and see this fun show based on the classic book,” Siems, who plays Alexander, said in a press release. “We want to spread the word that audiences of all ages will have a great time.”
