The Barefoot Children in the City of Ward

My sweet little six-year-old Miriam auditioned for her first play on the same day as her birthday party. When asked from the stage how old she was, she paused to think, then said, "It's complicated." Given a chance to explain what she meant, she said, "Well, my birthday is tomorrow, so today I'm 5 but tomorrow I'll be 6." Ms. Cori Anne Laemmel agreed that it WAS complicated and cast her as "Little," the youngest of the patients in the "City of Ward." 

From The Theater Bug's press release:

Welcome to the city of Ward! The city gates are always open, as long as you know the rules. The city is beautiful, but holds a secret. In reality it is the pediatric oncology ward of Nation’s Hospital, one of the best pediatric facilities in the world. Join the children as they invite you into a world of their imagination that is sure to make you believe in the magic and strength of a child’s spirit. This show is proud to partner with Gilda’s Club, an organization dedicated to providing support, education and hope to people affected by cancer. All ages welcome though this production will feature some mature themes about illness.

This truly remarkable play has two completely different casts, so if you want to catch Miriam in her very first theater production, plan to come:
***Feburary 1 - February 3***

SHOWTIMES
Friday, February 1, at 7 PM
Saturday, February 2, at 2 PM and 7 PM
Sunday, February 3, at 2 PM

TICKETS
Advance tickets are a really good idea since the shows tend to sell out quickly and there are only approximately 100 seats in the theater. Head over to TicketsNashville.com ASAP!

PRESS
Click HERE for a beautiful article by ArtsNash, which includes the promo video.
HERE for Martin Brady's glowing review in the NashvilleScene.
Judith Yates' up close and personal article in the Examiner.com HERE (with pictures!!!)
And Fiona Soltes led the way HERE with her kind review in The Tennessean.

If you have children who are interested in theater, get on the mailing list for The Theater Bug so you can find out about upcoming auditions. Check out their Facebook Page for more press, adorable pictures, and a promo video! 

I couldn't have created a better first-theater-experience for Miriam. As long as I can remember, she has wanted to be a nurse and an actor--as well as a host of other occupations, but these two happen to be particularly significant--because her very first show takes place in a hospital. She not only gets to be on stage, but also deliver lines, sing, and even dance a little. Every single night she comes home from rehearsals energized and full of joy. And we could sing the director's praises all day. Ms. Cori is pretty much the most adorable grown-up I have ever met. She loves these kids with her whole heart and encourages their socks off night after night. She cheers them on, hugs them, gives them high-five's, and never stops smiling. What a treasure. 

I am SO proud of Miriam, and I am just THRILLED with The Theater Bug and this original production!