The Area Stage Company will present a showcase production of The Ballad of Janis Matthews and The Dodo Scouts, an original musical with book by Giancarlo Rodaz, music/lyrics by Rachel Dean. and based on a story by Giancarlo Rodaz. The show opens on Friday, Oct. 16, at 8 p.m.
It’s 1968 in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. In a small camp belonging to the Dodo Scouts of America, famous Scout Janis Matthews has been tasked with leading a Troop for the summer. When six young Dodo Scouts get lost in Rocky Mountain National Park, the only way back to their camp is a dangerous and abandoned trail through the Rocky Mountain range. Their friendships are pushed to their limits as they confront wild animals, dramatic weather patterns, and dwindling food rations.
This new original musical has been developed and workshopped in house from its conception. With a 1960s folk-rock inspired musical theater score from up-and-coming composer Rachel Dean, and a book by Area Stage’s associate artistic director Giancarlo Rodaz, this comedy of growing up in a world of imperfect adults explores the hard question: What does it mean to be a family?
Directed by Giancarlo Rodaz; musically directed and conducted by Katie Duerr; production design by Giancarlo Rodaz; stage managed by Kenya Anthony-Moore, with Thea Barraque Juliana Carrasco, Cristina Carrillo, Thomas Frelich, Tristen Grana, Gabi Hagenlocker, Victoria Hagenlocker, April Kelly, Jeri Rose Kirsten, Jolie Kirsten, Andrea Knoepffler, Chloe Kujawa, Max Leifman, Paola Lista, Kate Markus, Ana Martin, Natalia Patiño, Isabella Peña, J. Romero, Sarah Santamaria, Juan Scheuren, Erika Siblesz, Alexandra Stockton, Victoria Thorman, Isabel Van-Natta, Isabella Vargas, Bianca Villamizar, Gabriela Villamizar, Gwyneth Williams, Siena Worland, and Skye Worland.
Performances are Oct. 16-25, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 5 p.m. Tickets are $25 and $20; students, $10. The Area Stage Company is located at 1560 S. Dixie Hwy. in Coral Gables. Visit www.areastagecompany.com or call 305-666-2078.
