Young People’s Theater Presents: “Max & Minerva’s Magical Machine”

27 Apr Young People’s Theater Presents: “Max & Minerva’s Magical Machine”

For the last original play of her 17-year run, Jennifer Julia, artistic director of Telluride’s Sheridan Arts Foundation’s Young People’s Theater, wrote and directed “Max & Minerva’s Magical Machine.” The show is scheduled to be performed by students in grades 3 – 5 at Telluride’s historic Sheridan Opera House Friday, April 29 – Sunday, May 1, 2016. Friday and Saturday shows are 6 p.m.; Sunday matinee is 2 p.m. Adults $13; children 12 & under $11; lap children free. Tickets will be $1 more the day of, so buy tickets in advance to receive the discounted price. Tickets are reserved seating, and are available here. Concessions stand will be open for each show, so bring the whole family down for a night of laughter and entertainment.

The magical Jen Julia. Her last show after a run of 17 wonderful years is “Max and Minerva’s Magical Machine.”

Max and Minerva are a typical brother and sister. They ride scooters, make art projects, and play games with their friends. But when Mr. Monotonous, the sneaky technology “spirit” is around, all they want to do is play video games and watch TV. Luckily, Ms. Marvel, the spirit of imagination and invention is there to inspire them to build something truly remarkable… the Magical Machine. In their marvelous, mind-blowing machine, Max and Minerva are whisked away to the wilds of their own imaginations, whimsical worlds filled with Rhyming Glitter Girls, Purple Unicorns, and even the dreaded Homework Police. Will Mr. Monotonous win out after all?

“In the end, it’s all about finding the balance between technology and creativity,” Jennifer Julia, the play’s director and playwright explains.

“‘Max & Minerva’s Magical Machine’ is the last play I will write or direct for the SAF Young People’s Theater, and I wanted it to reflect the themes and ideals I care about most. ‘Max and Minerva’ is a celebration of the wonder and imaginative delight of childhood. I filled the script with characters and storylines that I feel are timely and relevant to children in this age group. This play is for them, it’s their story.” 

Julia teamed up with YPT music director Ethan Hale to write the song’s original music and lyrics.

“ We wrote one about the hypnotic power of video games, another about the whimsy of the Magical Machine and one that serves as a musical duel between Mr. Monotonous and Ms. Marvel. Collaborating on the music for this show with Ethan has been a very exciting, fun, and fulfilling process,” Julia added.

In addition to Julia and Hale, the show’s production team includes choreographer Danielle Jenkins; lighting designer Tom Wince; sound designer Rob Wagner; and set designer Buff Hooper.

Current students of the Sheridan Arts Foundati0n’s Young People’s Theater (Claudia Betz, Macy Desmarais and Dietz Woehle) as well as YPT alum and current 3rd grade teacher at Telluride Elementary School, Erin Thompson, also helped throughout the rehearsal process.

“Working with a team of talented people I care about is a privilege, an honor, and a beautiful way to end my 17 year run with the YPT,” Julia said.

About the Sheridan Arts Foundation:

The Sheridan Arts Foundation was founded in 1991 as a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization to preserve the historic Sheridan Opera House as an arts and cultural resource for the Telluride community, to bring quality arts and cultural events to Telluride and to provide local and national youth with access and exposure to the arts through education. The Sheridan Arts Foundation is sponsored in part by grants from the Telluride Foundation. CCAASE and Just for Kids.