As entertainers say, “the show must go on.”
That’s the case of the children’s production “The Rainbow Fish Musical,” which will be filmed and then made available on-demand for anyone from school students to families starting March 24 through April 2. The play is produced by the Lawton Community Theatre and volunteer actors.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools are not allowing field trips, and the city auditorium is closed to live performances; we felt it was important to do a virtual performance and share it with the rest of the community,” said Michael Leal, arts coordinator for the City of Lawton.
Typically, students are required to pay a nominal fee for admission, but this year the show will be free to view online. The musical will be 50 minutes in length. After viewing the show, producers have requested adults for feedback by going online at www.lawtoncommunitytheatre.com. The feedback is important, they said, for planning future cultural programs.
The musical can be seen on www.lawtoncommunitytheatre.com.
In years past, thousands of families and elementary-age students attended the McMahon Auditorium in Lawton for the annual live theatre performance.
This year’s production centers on a colorful fish, which was the focal point of the international best-seller and award-winning book “The Rainbow Fish.” It gives audiences messages of friendship and belonging.
With shiny, multi-colored scales, Rainbow Fish is the most beautiful fish in the ocean and only one of its kind. But when Rainbow Fish refuses to share his vibrant, shimmering scales, the entire ocean seems to turn against the creature. Unhappy that no one adores him anymore, the Rainbow Fish seeks wisdom from the wise Octopus who helps him learn that it is far better to be admired for being kind than being beautiful.
Following is the cast members’ names and characters: Huntley Kreutziger, Rainbow Fish; Cassie Magrath, Little Fish; Anistyn Abshere, Starfish; Julianne
Thomas, Octopus; Cooper Painter, Puffer Fish; Emeri Golden, Clown Fish.
Also, Jasmine Glenn, Mrs. Minnow; Brinkley Caudill, Hermit Crab; Madelyn McBride, Sardine; Lyla Keys, Guppy; Courtney Crist, Jelly Fish; Lexie Alexander, Guppy; Hailee Jones, Jelly Fish; Raylea Coggburn, Guppy; Cardin Taylor, Jelly Fish; Amiah Greenlief, Guppy.
The director is Mikki Hankins and the musical directors are Martha McCartney and Marsha Thomas.
McCartney said it’s been a joy to work with the young cast who range in age from elementary school to 14 years old.
“These kids are phenomenal and so talented,” she said. “It is a wonderful and challenging musical. Right now, we’re masked and socially distanced as we rehearse and we’re doing some big all-cast numbers, which is very challenging with masks on.”
The Oklahoma Arts Council provided a grant to the Lawton Community Theatre for this production. The Lawton Community Theatre is the longest continually operating community theater in Oklahoma. LCT has produced theatre productions since 1952.