RAPA Family Theatre and OFC Creations will be mounting “The Emperor’s New Clothes” from October 13 through 21 at the Kodak Center. The family friendly production is in partnership with visual artist Cordell Cordaro.
“The Emperor’s New Clothes” by Hans Christian Anderson follows a mother and son as they plead with the Emperor for funds to bring the arts back to town. Much to their disappointment, the Emperor sends them away as he is caught up in his own self-absorbed vanity. The two peasants disguise themselves as weavers and return to the palace with the offer of a remarkable outfit for the highest price. The cunning duo craft a theatrical tale, fabling the clothes to be invisible to those who are unfit for their positions or incompetent. In reality, though, the peasants make no clothes at all. Will the Emperor see through their scheme?
Audience members will experience insight into being a stage performer as well as being a visual artist. With lobby displays, educational activities in the show playbill, and post-show talk-backs with director Eric Vaughn Johnson, “The Emperor’s New Clothes” is more than just a performance.
Performances are: Saturday, October 13 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sunday, October 14 at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. (sensory friendly performance geared towards audience members with autism and special needs); Saturday, October 20 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; and Sunday, October 21 at 2 p.m.
All performances are approximately one hour in length plus a short intermission. Children can “Meet the Cast” after each performance, with photo opportunities, autographs, and new Activity Center.
Community organizations, including schools, can book daytime performances throughout the week. Organizations have the option to take a field trip to the Kodak Center, bring a RAPA Family Theatre show to a school, or have an educational talk-back or backstage tour after the show.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for students and seniors, $10 for children 12 and under, and can be purchased at www.RapaTheatre.org or by calling 585-254-0073. Tickets are sold by reserved seating in the newly renovated Studio Theatre at the Kodak Center at 200 West Ridge Road, Rochester.
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