Garry Marshall Theatre’s marshallARTS family series premiered with a new spin on a classic tale—The Enchanted Nightingale. Written by Artistic Director Joseph Leo Bwarie and Lori Marshall (co-author Wake Me When It’s Funny, My Happy Days in Hollywood) and directed by Fran de Leon (Center Theatre Group, South Coast Repertory, Criminal Minds), this uplifting story has charmed children and adults alike in a limited run, January 12 through March 18 at the magical hour of 11am on Saturdays and Sundays, with select 7pm Friday performances.
Named after the acclaimed director Garry Marshall (Happy Days, Princess Diaries), the Garry Marshall Theatre is dedicated to creating an exciting theatre experience for children—so all shows are filled with interactive moments between the kids, the story, and the characters, and the cast that is out in the lobby to greet their adventurous audience after each show. On Opening night, January 12 at 7pm, a mini red carpet was rolled out for kids and their parents to add a bit of glamour to the night.
The marshallARTS Family Series is designed to educate and introduce the live arts to the next generation of creative thinkers. The series includes the storybook reading event Storybook Pages, “Movies & Me” matinee screenings for parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers, and the full produced stage shows, premiering with The Enchanted Nightingale.
Starring Marc Fajardo, Karen Huie, Ravi Kapoor, and Jully Lee, this magical tale takes us to far away ancient China where we follow a powerful Emperor and the rarest of treasures – an enchanted nightingale. When the Emperor discovers the beauty of the enchanted nightingale’s song, he cages it for his own enjoyment, only to banish it when he receives a bejeweled mechanical nightingale he prefers. When the mechanical birds fails, the Emperor falls ill, and the real enchanted nightingale returns, the Emperor learns a valuable lesson in wonder, beauty, and kindness. The performance included a magical Tai Chi practice, colorful fan dancing, royal wardrobe, and above all, a most valuable story celebrating the wealth in generosity and the culture and artistry of the Far East.
The creative team included: Choreographer Tara Nichole Hughes, Composer Rachael Lawrence, Stage Manager Rebecca Raines, with Scenic Design by Dimitri Toscas and Benjamin Warren, Costume Design by Jessica Hansen, Sound Design by Robert A. Ramirez, and Lighting Design by JM Motecalvo.