After more than a year without in-person live performances, The Coterie Theatre presents Dragons Love Tacos, written by Ernie Nolan and based on the book by Adam Rubin.
The live, outdoor performance is directed by Stephanie Roberts, UMKC Theatre associate professor of Physical Theatre. Performances are in Crown Center’s Entertainment Pavilion, 2425 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo., through Aug. 8.
This all-ages show features a cast of 10 students from UMKC Theatre performing as the 306 Theatre Troupe. They will use their extensive dance and clown training to help bring the dragons to life. The show is a stage adaptation of the family classic book, Dragons Love Tacos.
Roberts and two UMKC students shared their thoughts about the show and being on stage again.
Stephanie Roberts (Director)
How does it feel to direct a live show again?
It was such a relief and joy to be back in rehearsal with more than a few people in a room together! Because we were all vaccinated, the actors were able to have close contact and really engage in physical theatre in a way that they haven’t for over a year.
What was your favorite part of this show?
One of my favorite parts was seeing the actors, my students, apply all that they’ve been learning for the last two years. They brought so much play and creative input to the show; it made my job easy. My other favorite part of the show is seeing the children’s reactions in the audience. I love that they participate: answering questions that the actors ask them, or sometimes just spontaneously jumping out of their seats and dancing when they hear the music!
What makes children’s theatre special?
Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) can be many different things--adaptations of classics, devised theatre, community-based, educational, activism. I think some common threads are its capacity to foster empathy and self-awareness in young people, as well as providing a space for joy, wonder and play--for both children and adults.
Why did you decide to direct this play?
Jeff Church came to 306 Theatre Troupe and me with a couple options of plays. When the project was coming together, I was in the middle of teaching Clown to some of the grad actors in the cast. Since my specialty is physical theatre and comedy, they thought I was a good fit--and I’m thrilled that they asked!
What is unique about outdoor theater?
Because the show is competing with so many elements--cars, airplanes, sirens, fountain-- actors, directors and designers all need to know how to sustain the audience’s attention. Body-mics, of course, help, but there is still a need to be highly specific and larger-than-life, while still finding the truth in whatever story you’re telling.
Why should someone see the show?
In this time, when everyone is emerging from the pandemic, this is the perfect, celebratory experience. The design is whimsical and spectacular, and I see both kids and adults laughing and dancing. I even have one friend (in his sixties) who said he shed a tear at the end.
Michael Oakes (Man in Suit)
What was your favorite part of the show?
My favorite part of the show was the first week of rehearsals where Stephanie just let us work and roll with the ideas that we had. It was fun to watch all the dragons create their unique personalities and characters from their instincts. It was adorable to watch the relationship between Leroy and The Boy form in organic ways because of just trying ideas in rehearsal. It was great to throw things at the wall as Man in Suit and see what stuck. Even with the book and script giving a strong foundation, it really feels like we built something special from the ground up with this show.
What inspires you?
I'm inspired by seeing actors enjoy the work they're in and the audience feeling that joy and reciprocating it. People with authentic joy and passion in what they do fills me with an electricity that I cannot explain. Energy and joy are contagious. Seeing someone talk about or do something they truly and honestly love makes my soul happy to its core. I want to know everyone's passion because that's the core of what makes someone who they are, what they love. I'm inspired by that.
Why did you choose UMKC?
I chose UMKC because of the professors and the city. My undergrad professor went to UMKC as well and always talked about Kansas City with a deep love. He spoke very highly of everyone who taught in the program as well. And after one conversation with the faculty, I knew this was a place that would help me grow. There was an emphasis on letting actors be themselves rather than creating a generic "UMKC actor." They said they would let us be us. And they have! I've found out more about myself and my art aesthetic from here than I think I would anywhere else because of the great people I've got to work with and who support Michael being Michael always.
Why should someone see the show?
It's a blast. After a "lost year" this is the time to go out and have some fun. It's an opportunity to sit outside and laugh, dance, yell along and just have an hour of enjoyment. Plus, it puts tacos on the brain. Which is always good. It felt like in the past year fun has been hard to find. For at least an hour, there's a fun place people can go. A place where dragons are real, people come through TVs and a boat full of tacos isn't an outrageous idea. A truly joyous place.
Do you have a favorite dragon?
I can't pick a favorite dragon. I love them all so much! They're who truly make Man in Suit look good. Would people want to see "Man in Suit Love Tacos"? Nah. The dragons are the stars, and all of them deserve it equally. I love them all. This is the most fun I've had in a play process in years. Everyone in the cast and crew worked so hard to make this happen. I hope everyone in KC sees this show. It's very near and dear to my heart.
Aidan Callaghan (Production Assistant)
What was your favorite part of the show?
My favorite part of the show is probably the dragons’ entrance sequence. The actors all have such unique characterizations and it’s just really fun to watch.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by people who have drive. People who know what they want and are driven enough to take real steps to achieve them.
Why did you choose UMKC?
I chose UMKC initially because I was doing pre-pharmacy with the intent to apply to pharmacy school and follow that career path. But I didn’t enjoy it, and theatre was the only path that I knew was a good fit for me, so I stayed at UMKC and joined the theatre program.
Why should someone see the show?
People should come see this show if they are looking for a brief getaway from the woes of the world. This is a very fun light-hearted show that harkens back to everyone’s childhood where dragons and tacos were as real and as exciting as anything could be.
Do you have a favorite dragon?
While I love all of our dragons very much, if I had to pick, I think I would pick Blue Dragon because of its very endearing personality.
Tickets are $12 for youth under 18, students and seniors 60 and older; $15 for adults; and $5.50 to $8 for groups over 20. After the Saturday night performances, audiences have a chance to get their picture taken with a dragon after the show. Tickets can be purchased from The Coterie Box Office by calling 816-474-6552 or online.