WST for Children

“Wellesley Summer Theatre for Children presents

‘An Odd Izzy’, an original musical journey’

Since its inception Wellesley Summer Theatre has offered a children’s theatre performance in the late spring to complement its main stage production, and this year is no exception!  “An Odd Izzy,” an original musical by longtime WST company members Derek Stone Nelson and Danny Bolton, will premiere on the newly refurbished Barstow Stage at Alumnae Hall.  The production opens on Saturday, June 18 and runs for the last two weekends of June, with morning matinees at 10 am and 12 noon.          

The musical tells the story of Isabel—better known as ‘Izzy’—and how she survives being “grounded forever” in her room by her mother.  Well, not exactly forever, but for a long time during which she’s supposed to think about ‘Why she drew big, unflattering cariacatures of her teacher and her principal!’  Before too much time has passed, one of Izzy’s stuffed animals suddenly comes alive to keep her company while she’s stuck in her room.  And then quite unexpectedly her teacher and her principal drop in for a visit to let Izzy know that despite her flashes of mischievousness, they actually like her a lot.  And, while the visitors don’t stop there, you’ll have to come and see the show to find out how it all turns out.  Just a hint: if you know any good knock-nock jokes, you might practice your favorite and bring it with you to the performance!

“An Odd Izzy” stars co-writer Danny Bolton, Marge Dunn, and Ashley Gramolini, all three of whom are currently appearing in the WST main stage production, “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” by Alfred Uhry which runs until June 19.  Also appearing in “Izzy” are Madeline Buckley, Hannah McGovern Gross, and Emily Stidsen.  “Izzy” composer and lyricist, Derek Nelson, directs and musical directs the production; he recently appeared onstage at WST as ‘Ludie Watts’ in last season’s “Trip to Bountiful.”

            “An Odd Izzy” runs Saturday, June 18, Sunday, June 19, Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26 at 10 am and 12 noon each day in the Barstow Theatre, Alumnae Hall, on the Wellesley College campus.