Weekend Showcase: Stages’ “The Most Magnificent Thing”
Stages Theatre’s original production of “The Most Magnificent Thing” is based on the children’s book of the same name. The story follows Maggie’s creative process and emotional journey and is on stage through May 12.
Creating “The Most Magnificent Thing”
Think of it as Mr. Rogers neighborhood meets Peanuts.
“One of these eclectic kind of urban neighborhoods, it is inspired by the illustrations very much,” said director Melanie Salmon Peterson.
The main character is Maggie and the show closely follows the main character’s story from the book.
“It is the story of Maggie who is a girl who just wants to make what’s in her head,” explained Peterson. “It takes a little experimentation to see how to get there.”
Maggie likes to invent things. Her trusted assistant is her dog, Wrench.
“Playing a dog is really fun,” said Jackson Lyon, who plays Wrench. “I have a puppet in the show so its really fun to be able to show my actions not only through my own body but through this puppet as well. Its just a really cool experience that I’ve never had the opportunity to do.”
Maggie’s wanting to make the most magnificent thing, which starts out an idea in her head. The challenge is getting the idea out of her head and actually built.
“What I love is that she is a character that has a really tumultuous emotional journey in her creative process, but she has this group of people around her that support her and encourage her not to give up. And she doesn’t,” said Peterson.
Children ages 11 and under should enjoy this show, but it’s fine for all ages. Neil Pursley gives it a rating of “M” for Magnificent.
Stages Theatre Company also has its Full Steam Ahead Event this Saturday featuring hands on exhibits highlighting science, technology, art, and math. “The Most Magnificent Thing” runs through May 12.
