An arcade machine springs to life | Arts & Entertainment
A group of Mighty Mutant Power Turtles come to life in an old claw machine in “The Claw,” a new children’s musical produced by Theatre Aspen Education. The play will be performed by a group of second-through-sixth graders Friday and Saturdayat the Aspen District Theater at Aspen Elementary School.
Friday and Saturday, Theatre Aspen Education presents “The Claw,” a new children’s musical about bravery, belonging and the power of imagination.
The play is written by Denver Casado, Jessica Penzias, Kerry Kazmierowicz, Christyn Budzyna and Jack Mitchell. The production features students in grades two through six from across the Roaring Fork Valley.
Performances will be held at the Aspen District Theater at Aspen Elementary School on Friday and Saturday, both at 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students/youth, on sale now at theatreaspen.org/the-claw/.
“Theatre Aspen prides itself on having a multi-dimensional arts education program that includes a full range of classes in theatre arts and multiple performance opportunities throughout the year,” said Theatre Aspen Producing Director Jed Bernstein. “‘The Claw’ is the latest in a robust list of student productions.”
According to a release, the set up of the play is as follows: “When an out-of-order claw machine suddenly turns back on, the toys inside spring to life. The Flair Bears, Mighty Mutant Power Turtles, and Beanie Elders all dream of being ‘chosen.’ But for one toy — a shy stuffed cow named Dot — the thought of leaving the machine is terrifying. With the help of her friends and the wisdom of the Mystical 8-Ball, Dot must find the courage to face the unknown and take a leap of faith.”
The cast of “The Claw” rehearses. The show tells the story of toys in an out-of-order claw machine that come to life when it suddenly turns back on.
“The Claw” is directed by Alicia Millerson. She is a Rocky Mountain-based teaching artist and co-director of education at Theatre Aspen with Caitlin Cremins. She graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a musical theatre degree.
Upon graduation, she and some of her classmates directed in theaters across the United States and Canada, introducing the performing arts to young people in an educational setting.
Millerson moved to Colorado in 2020 and has continued to work with students in Denver at the Arvada Center, Seriesfest, Youth on Record, and Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
She is a co-founder of Queen City Sketch. Her work has been featured in Westword and Denver Fringe. Her goal is to create environments where students fall in love with the performing arts and feel empowered to explore their unique, creative voice.
Millerson described “The Claw” saying, “The characters in ‘The Claw’ are challenged to search for hope, even when the future is unclear. The main character Dot’s journey invites the audience to reflect on what it means to be bold, courageous, and to learn from the community around us.”
Millerson said working with the young cast has been a treat.
“I am continually inspired by this fearless cast. Their work is a true celebration of imagination and teamwork,” Millerson said. “Dot’s journey examines what it means to be bold, courageous, and to learn from the community around us. The themes of overcoming fear, seeking acceptance and building friendship resonate deeply. I could not be prouder of our cast and creative team, who have brought this magical and colorful world to life. We look forward to sharing the culmination of students’ hard work with the community.”
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