PORT TOWNSEND –– The Generation Goat Rocket theater company brings a madcap musical chase through the pages of literature as 14 young actors play out a librarian’s quest to find a reclusive author.
“Under Cover: A Children’s Literary Mystery Musical” runs this weekend at the Chameleon Theater, 800 W. Park Ave. Showtimes are 7 p.m. today (Friday) and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
The play hinges on Tadu Dollarhide’s librarian, who is swept up in a quest to find the famous but elusive author, played by Dante LeDonna, with the help of a trio of detectives played by Magdalena Torok, Zen Cook and Celeste Gardner.
As their adventure unfolds, they are met by witty and unexpected encounters with the characters from the library’s books, played by Harmony Erikson-Cael, Zoe Cook and Charlotte Capel.
The show also features Saundra Althouse, Juniper Cervenka, Diego Garcia, Zinnia Hansen, Hunter Havens, Anna Molotsky and Mariel Price.
The actors have been training throughout the summer with the writing and directing team of sisters Phina and Sophie Pipia.
“We’re so impressed by each of these young actors,” Phina Pipia said. “Each performer has brought a huge amount of enthusiasm, skill and insight to the rehearsal process and has made this new play an inspiration to watch.”
“Under Cover” also represents the end of Generation Goat Rocket’s first summer season.
The Pipia-led troupe opened the year with its original musical heist “Crook of My Dreams” at the Montreal Fringe Festival in June. “Crook” made a sold-out run at the Chameleon at the end of June.
The company’s season is made possible by funding from the Port Townsend Arts Commission and the Port Townsend Friends of the Arts, as well as by a successfully funded Kickstarter campaign.
“We’re so grateful for the support we’ve received in creating our first full theater season,” Sophie Pipia said.
“It’s meant making our projects accessible to all local youth and made it possible for us to take our productions to the next level.”
Tickets for today and Saturday are $12 for general admission and $8 for youths 12 and younger. They are available at The Food Co-op, 414 Kearney St., by phone at 360-774-2965, online at www.brownpapertickets.com or at the door 30 minutes before showtime.
Sunday’s matinee is a pay-what-you-want performance.
For more information, visit www.goatrocket.com.
