In a world premiere play Atypical Boy opening at the Coterie Theatre, audience members enter a funny, fable-like world that is created with color, expressive characters and puppets. In this world, conformity is valued and individuality is misunderstood. But in the midst of this is a young person who is disenfranchised because he cannot conform. By Up to Date March 13, 2009
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Kansas City , Mo. – In a world premiere play Atypical Boy opening at the Coterie Theatre, audience members enter a funny, fable-like world that is created with color, expressive characters and puppets. In this world, conformity is valued and individuality is misunderstood. But in the midst of this is a young person who is disenfranchised because he cannot conform.
What's more, when the story reaches its highest point, award-winning playwright Laurie Brooks stops the action and lets the audience interact with the characters onstage. In this forum, the audience gives the characters advice and explores the beauty and danger of being different.
Steve Kraske welcomes Brooks and former major league baseball player Jim Eisenreich, whose foundation for children with Tourette Syndrome commissioned the play. They'll discuss the production, which although doesn't mention any specific disabilities, addresses issues about acceptance and how we treat others.
The Coterie Theatre, now in its 30th Season, is located on level one of Crown Center Shops. Atypical Boy performs March 10 - March 29. Performances are Tuesdays - Sundays.