With the world premiere of Willo Mancifoot the Musical fast approaching, the next few weeks will see a flurry of rehearsals and preparations. Most of the sets and costumes are ready for the show, along with the computer-controlled special effects that will bring this story to life.
The play will make its debut at The Aud during the May Festival of the Arts, with appearances on May 5-6. Audiences will see Valerie Hubbard Damon’s book come alive through singing, dance and storytelling. Valerie will serve as Grand Marshal over the Artrageous parade at 2 p.m. on May 5, just hours before the play’s opening. In an Independent article earlier this year, John Rankine described Valerie as an “illustrator, painter, sculptor, writer and performer, an obvious choice” as Grand Marshal.
Valerie wrote and illustrated the children’s book Willo Mancifoot and the Mugga Killa Whomps more than 30 years ago, and she always imagined it as a musical. When she retired to Eureka Springs, she found just the right artistic environment to make her dreams come true. She met Cathrin Yoder, a retired college professor, and their collaboration led to a script and a score.
The creative energy surrounding Eureka Springs provided just the right pieces to put the rest of the puzzle together. Artistic Director Larry Horn came to Eureka after a career in education and theatre arts. Technical Director Marvin Jonason brought a lifetime of experience in theatrical productions, and his spectacular revolving sets will delight young audiences. Larry Mansker brought his artistic talents to painting sets and backdrops.
Valerie gradually became accustomed to the “Willo miracles” that brought just the right people to the project. Laurie Smole created costumes in a riot of colors. Maggie Asmus designed a hat for one of the characters and ended up making hats for most of the characters. Assistant Director Charlisa French helped with staging the play and also helped singers prepare. Choreographer Melanie Naumann, who owns Elite Dance Studio in Berryville, contributed time and the use of her studio for rehearsals.
Even with the principals donating time, this production has involved some considerable expense. Much of that comes from the sound and light technology that will capture the attention of the young audience. Valerie has received generous financial assistance from the community, but has also carried part of the production herself. The Willo Mancifoot Facebook page includes information on making a tax-deductible donation.
The story centers around an attempt by grouchy dark-dwelling characters to steal the light from Willobee land. Rather than fight this attack, the crickets, dragonflies and their Light Wing friends show the villains how to bring light and happiness into their own lives.
Valerie summed up the play’s message, “The more you give, the more you have.” Because of her passion for spreading that message, Valerie has arranged a free preview performance for area schoolchildren at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 3. “We want as many kids as possible to see the play,” she said.
The premiere is set for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 5. A matinee follows on Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are available through theaud.org.