“Dress-Up…” Among Friends

By Wes Hessel with Beth Tomas

Jackalope Theatre Company introduces their first production for the younger set, “The Dress-Up Play”, though it appeals to all ages, including us adults who can learn ideas that we should all play at. The set is designed to look like a child’s room, in this case Remi’s, and the setting a playdate among elementary (maybe kindergarten) kids for dress-up. Remi and Dad have put together a wonderful new dress-up corner, and everyone is invited to share in the fun.

Make believe starts with the stage pieces, as some of the theater seats are up front – one set is modified into an extra large sized child’s bed, with another group on the other side of the stage. The intimate size of the theater at the Broadway Armory Park (a room in a former armory modified into a field house) invites the audience deeply into the story.

Remi’s friends each have very different personalities: Miles prefers to play “pretend” rather than “dress-up”, liking the colors grey and blue; Aiden is a self-proclaimed “fashionista” with dreams of being a super model. Olivia likes “scary things” and likes to dress accordingly, while Remi loves to dress-up in “girly” clothes – even to school, “It’s just stuff.”

As they go through clothing choices, they relate them to a struggle they’re having and pick an item to bring out a character trait they want to express – this is where things get fun. With each clothing choice, the theatregoers are engaged. The characters come into the audience with baskets of dress up items, inviting us to make similar choices – “Pick a piece that makes you feel strong.” Much is said about acceptance, each character talked about their struggle of being “othered” for their unique likes, personalities, and identities. Join in the fun before the open fashion house is over March 22nd – for tickets or more information, please go to www.jackalopetheatre.org. 

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