Children's Theatre: Interrupting Vanessa

Overview

Written by Colleen Neuman

March 28- April 4, 2015 • Wells Fargo Playhouse

Ten-year old Vanessa is a collector of stuff -- keys, string, broken flashlights, wires -- and she uses her treasures to create inventions and conjure up stories. Her overactive imagination also helps her cope with the loss of her father*. One day, her well-intentioned mother does the unthinkable: She invites Timmy Fibbins to visit for the afternoon, and Vanessa knows for sure her life is ruined! After all, nobody at school talks to him, and he holds the world's record for throwing up -- 17 times since school started. An unlikely friendship emerges, and gradually, these classmates discover that courage, self-reliance and a generous dose of humor can create a common bond of friendship.

* A touching theatrical device is used to express Vanessa's journey to accept the death of her father. He appears as a character in the play, an “imaginative memory” whom Vanessa interacts with, because she has yet to let him go in her mind. This is written to be a discovery for the audience as they experience this ultimately uplifting and life-affirming story, but you may feel your child should understand this aspect of the play ahead of time.

One Act • Recommended for ages 8+

Meet The Cast: An audience talkback will follow the Opening Performance on Saturday, March 28 at 1pm.

Saturday, March 28 at 3pm will be interpreted for hearing impaired.