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'Pixies, Kings And Magical Things' At The Crossroads Theatre

Challenges And Opportunities

Director Brandon Wentz is an Indiana State University graduate who works in Cincinnati. This is his ninth season at Crossroads Repertory Theatre. Here, he discusses Crossroads' show for children, "Pixies, Kings and Magical Things."

"Children's theater actually presents some unique challenges and opportunities. You do have to appeal to the kids; that comes first. But you also have to have something for the adults. After all, they're the ones who bring those kids. We're always aware of both audiences in our choices and in the production."

In addition to directing "Pixies," this summer Wentz appears in The Sunshine Boys and Frankenstein.

Sweatin' To The Oldies

"Pixies" actor Carolyn Rodkey will join Brandon in the cast of Frankenstein, but for now, "I'm appearing in two of the three venerable Hans Christian Andersen stories. And, yes, I do play the Pixie from the title!"

A alumna of the graduate school at ISU, she's currently on the faculty at Franklin College. This is her sixth season at Crossroads. "When we started rehearsals, Brandon told us that although this is the shortest show of the summer, we'd probably be generating the most sweat. He was right."

An Informative Footnote

Rodkey's roles are not contained to the stage; this is her third summer as the company's dramaturg. "I research the individual plays and also arrange for the speakers that follow our Sunday matinees. On the 18th, we'll have playwright and theatre director Ric Averill in  to talk about the play and children's theatre in general."

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