A warning to all naysayers and prophets of doom who state with ill-founded conviction, “There’ll never be another performer like that…they just don’t make ‘em like that anymore.” Once you’ve seen a performance of TADA! you will definitely have to reconsider that prediction.
More than 80 kids, ages eight to 18, make up the company. These performers display energy, enthusiasm and often tremendous talent…indeed, the “stars of tomorrow.” It is impossible to single out individuals who shine…there are simply too many!
The award winning company, the first youth theatre to win the Drama Desk Award, provides young people not only the opportunity to perform, but also to learn how to work as part of a team, gain confidence and self-esteem, and express their creativity in a safe and supportive environment.
The History Mystery, “a musical time travel adventure,” is performed with professional aplomb. Whether singing or acting and regardless of age or experience, all on stage remain focused, listen to each other and react appropriately.
Each segment of The History Mystery presents a specific and significant period in this country’s history arranged chronologically going back as far as 1895 and the women’s rights movement. The transitions flow smoothly.
The choreography, notably the swing number in California, 1942, which includes a sprightly rendition of the jitterbug with some really show stopping moves, is impressive and very well executed.
Lighting and visual effects are extremely effective with a huge screen on all sides of the proscenium displaying moving patterns during scene changes and an incredible collection of photos and film clips supporting each production number. One particularly powerful photo, in Atlanta, Georgia, 1938, is of a large sign which reads, “We want white tenants in our white community.” Kudos to all those involved in the time-consuming job of researching and incorporating the many images.
When there is an audience made up of many kids of all ages and there is not a sound from them except for cheers and applause, and when adults can be seen surreptitiously wiping their eyes, you know that you’re watching something very special.
This is definitely not a production just for kids; this is a production by kids for everyone who wants to enjoy an excellent and exciting event. Don’t miss it!
Photos by Sarah Moazeni, from top:
1. From left, Romello Rodriguez (14, Manhattan); Ceanna Bryant (13, Manhattan), Maddie Abrahams (13, Manhattan); Martin Lewis (16, Staten Island); Maddie Rubin (12, Manhattan); Brian Ward (14, Brooklyn); Tristan Hickey (13, Manhattan); Danielle Palmer (13, Bronx); Clara Kim (11, Queens); Austin Tipograph (15, Manhattan)
2. Clockwise Donna Falzon (age 17 Queens); Milo Bernfield Millman (13, Manhattan); Nathan Love (9, Brooklyn); Chloe Pae (11, Manhattan); Austin Tipograph (15, Manhattan)
3. Romello Rodriguez (14, Manhattan); Derek Johnson (10, Brooklyn)
4. Maddie Rubin (12, Manhattan); Brian Ward (14, Brooklyn)
5. From left Diana Kagan (10, Great Neck NY); Kaitlyn Pohly (8, Manhattan); Derek Johnson (10, Brooklyn); Samantha Pohly (11, Manhattan)
The History Mystery
TADA! Youth Theater
15 West 28th Street, 2nd floor
Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. through February 19
Special performance at 7 p.m. Friday, February 17
Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students
Directed by Janine Nina Trevens
Music: Eric Rockwell
Lyrics: Margaret Rose
Choreography: Joanna Greer
