What child doesn’t encounter problems going to sleep? In TADA!’s Youth Theater original musical, “Wide Awake Jake”, a young boy named Jake has just that problem. He simply can’t fall asleep. His well-meaning sisters offer their solutions in sweet musical numbers that demonstrate how wonderful siblings can be to one another. When their methods don’t work, the family babysitter, Amy (whose 15 year old voice is a knockout), tells Jake about “yawn power”. Jake learns how to yawn, and eventually yawns himself off to the land of nod where he encounters familiar characters like Curious George, the Cat in the Hat, a dragon, a giant and Alice in Wonderland in a colorful dreamland.
The performance is done by children that range in ages 8-18 years; and that isn’t unique for TADA!. All of their productions are presented by their Resident Youth Ensemble who are trained by TADA’s team in everything from dance, voice, dictation, acting and improvisation. And it shows. In “Wide Awake Jake”, the choreography ranged from simple ballet steps to more sophisticated modern dance and tap. Some of the actors had a really strong stage presence, and all of them looked like they were having a blast. The ensemble was supportive of eachother onstage and that in of itself was wonderful to see.
The kids in the audience loved watching their favorite storybook characters appear in the dream sequence, and their favorite kid actors too. It felt like going to “American Idol” – only the real thing. I rooted for all of the actors, but I had my favorites- and so did my son. Some were stronger dancers: “Will she become a dancer?”, others star singers: “Will she get on Broadway?” and others still were good actors: “Will he be an Oscar nominee?” Whether your child wants to be a performer or not, they will love watching other kids putting it all “out there” onstage. My 3.5 year old, 2 weeks later, is still asking me when he can join the ensemble. Though he can’t try out for it yet, he can enroll in their summer camp or classes. Right now, he is practicing his dancing at home- and that’s what TADA! is all about. Encouraging kids to dream, achieve and learn through discipline and practice…and tons of fun.
Wide Awake Jake runs through May 23rd at TADA’s new production: Wide Awake Jake
Details: General tickets are $20 for adults and $8 for children. Premium tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. Tickets can be purchased online at www.tadatheater.com or by calling (212) 252-1619 x 128. 15 West 28th Street, 3rd Floor 212-252-1619