"What Would You Pay?"

 

We have a tradition at KidsPlay – actually, we have many traditions – this is just one of them. About halfway through our rehearsal process, the kids start asking me, “What would you pay?”

The question refers to the price of our tickets – which are $5 each and have been $5 each since 1997 when we started. 

“What would you pay, Chris,” they ask, “to see this show?”

Early on, my answer is likely to be, “Pay?!!? PAY??? Are you kidding? I wouldn’t pay to see this show! YOU would have to pay ME to see this show!!”

Later on, the answer might be, “$1.75. This show is only worth $1.75.” And the kids understand that they need to step it up.

The kids are happy when things break even at $5. The show is finally worth $5 of entertainment. People will be getting a fair value of what they’re paying to see us.

However, if I may, these kids are good. I know, and they know that the REAL goal is not just to break even, not just to give the audience an average kiddie theatre play, but to go beyond. To surpass “cute” -- which is what most children’s theatre is -- and get to REAL entertainment. REAL authentically entertaining performances. Real laughs. Belly laughs. Not polite applause at the end of the show, but enthusiastic applause for a show that was truly entertaining.

KidsPlay has done a lot of good shows: “Altar Egos,” “Mermaid in Miami,” “Caught in the Act,” “Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens,” “Annie Play Will Do.” 

Spoiler: this one – the one we’re in the middle of right now – “Gravestone Manor,” will take its place among the ranks of the best.

Last night’s Dress-to-Impress Dress Rehearsal, in front of the children’s teachers and special guests, was proof of that. Everything that we’ve worked on for WEEKS fell magically into place.

Lines that have long since ceased to be funny (due to continuous repetition in rehearsal) came alive thanks to the excellent comedic timing of Anthony Stunda (Griffin the G-host) and Reese Weitekamp (Luna the Wolf-Girl); the tandem screams of Ellie Stearns and Kyndall Watkins (Stella and Adele trapped in a haunted house); the adorability and facial expressions of Aria Studabaker (Emily interviewing monsters for under her bed); ridiculous songs about werewolves and cookies; precisely timed magical sound effects; Jackson Martinez (Bane the Wolf-Boy) standing on the couch and turning around and around before settling down.

The show fired on all cylinders. Our audience of about 40 laughed and laughed and laughed. 

Every show has its challenges. This one has been scene changes, costume changes and make-up – most of which, are amazingly executed in less than a minute. Standing ovation to the stage crew, the make-up artists and the parents helping backstage. 

Last evening, after the show, the kids greeted their teachers, changed out of their costumes, got a snack and sat down for notes. I often tell them, “It is not my job to tell you how good you are; that is the job of your parents and grandparents. MY job is to tell you what you need to do to get better.” And because of that, performance notes following the rehearsals are typically lists of constructive criticism with very few purely positive comments. 

But last night was different. Oh, sure, this could have been better and that could have been better, but the audience’s laughter said it all. The last question of the night was, as always, “Chris, what would you pay?”

The kids are happy when that price goes above $5. Five dollars is a bargain for what we are putting up there on that stage. They’re happy when it goes to, say, $7.50. Audience members are paying $5, but the entertainment value is worth more than that: $7.50. $9.00, $11.00….

“Chris, what would you pay?” And they hold their breath.

“$15.00.” Yes, it is really THAT good. Come and see for yourself.