Research @ Madison Public Library

Research @ Madison Public Library, a photo by {kj} on Flickr.

Today we took a field trip to Madison Public Library. Special thanks to Abigail Ryan who gave us a tour of the Children's Department resources.

Today's "Dear Diary" entries from the cast

Our Fairy Godmonther, Gaby B, reports this on the day of the announcement of the Prince's ball

"What a shock it was to hear that the prince will be throwing a ball and all of the lovely ladies in the kingdom will be invited...except my god daughter, Cinderella.  I'm confused of why she wants to go, but I know she does, for I saw her crying about it through my magic crystal ball a short while ago.  The last time I saw her, she was a tiny baby and her mother made me the godmother and I promised that if anything happened, I would be there for Cinderella.  So now that Cinderella's mother is dead, I'm determined to help Cinderella."

Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, has this to say

"Yawn.  Today was boring!  Since I already knew about the ball, there was no surprises so nothing new today.  Signed, Elizabeth Horten (PS, still fussing over what dress to wear)" 

One of the villagers, Juliet [played by Sophie M] is excited about the announcement of the ball!

"The moment I found out about the ball, I was very excited.  I knew I had to get ready right away.  I grabbed a basket and set off.  First I went and I bought blue silk, satin, and velvet.  Then I went to the jewelry store and bought a necklace and a bracelet.  Next I went home.  Then I got out some paper and drew what I wanted my dress to look like.  Then I set out to town and went to the sewing store and asked them to make a gown out of what I gave them.  I hope my dress turns out good.  But now I have to go to the salon and get my hair done! From, Juliet"

Cinderella herself [played by Quillan T] is worried, and shares this

"Dear Diary, for a moment today the sun shone bright above the gloom and the dark grey sky of my life, but then it was ruined.  You see, the prince is holding a ball, and I'd really enjoy going, but I'm not allowed.  My evil Wickedly Evil stepmother won't let me go.  Instead, I have to stay home and clean.  Every other girl of age in the kingdom is going.  I don't necessarily want to get wedded, but I want to go.  Oh well, it doesn't matter.  It's just a silly party, I guess.  Sincerely, Cinderella"

 Another village girl [Izzy S-L], who is obsessed with clothing, writes this ode to fashion:

"Dear Diary, the moment I found out about the ball, I had to hire a dress designer, then hire a make up artist and a hair stylist.  Back to my dress, it's pink and beautiful!  Wait till I tell Esmerelda about my dress!  Thanks Diary, Margaret"

Another of our acting troupe is covering two parts and writes from both perspectives [Amina]

"Dear Diary, When I found out about the ball, I wasn't surprised because I am the king so I was planning so I expected it to happen.  But, as the Narrator, I guess I am a little astonished that there is a ball that will be held.  Especially since every girl in the kingdom was invited!"

 We hope you are enjoying the photos and writings of our students as we plan and prepare for our summer production of "Once Upon a Dream".  Visit our website at www.madcap.org for performance information.

Story telling and more....

Story telling and more...., a photo by {kj} on Flickr.

Journals and story writing tools... @MadCreativeArts

Journals and story writing tools... @MadCreativeArts, a photo by {kj} on Flickr.

, a photo by {kj} on Flickr.

Rehearsals for fairy tale theater

Rehearsals for fairy tale theater, a photo by {kj} on Flickr.

Diary entries on the first day...

As part of our dramaturgical research, actors are creating diaries from the point of view of the characters they will be playing.  Today's entries take place before the ball is announced...just another day in the life!

Dear Diary,
Today was the same thing.  All I did was work, work, and more work, but I enjoy hearing the gossip of the gown.  But everyone's buzz is always about the prince!  I wonder why  I can only hear snippets of gossip at a time because I am always getting pushed around by my stepmother and step sister.  They are so selfish!  I'm ravenous & I don't get much to eat.  I wonder what it would be like to live in a palace.  Knowing a day of grandeur ahead and the sun shining on my face in an entirely different way...not with worry and pain and frustration at the day ahead.  Everyone thinks I am just a mess and of no use...I'd like to slap them, thank you very much!  But I know I can hope.  Now I am finally going to sleep after a long day of work.  Please, I wish to wake up in a different way.  Now I suppose I must go for real...goodbye, I guess.
Sincerely,
Cinderella

(Cinderella is played by Quillan T in our production.  This was the diary entry she wrote today)

Well!  My my my...where should I start?  OK, well, I started out visiting Briar Rose (or Sleeping Beauty).  Oh, my, she is so much bigger than when I last saw her on her 16th birthday!  Did you know that she will be married to the prince in just 2 months?!?
After that I went swimming with Arial and her new husband.  They do make a fine couple.  Then I after washing sand out of my ears I went to lunch a fish, peas, and freshly baked bread with my friend who is a genie.  He brought his friend Aladdin with him.  (I ate quite a bit, for I had skipped breakfast) 

(The Fairy Godmother is played by Gaby B in our production.  The above is her imagined diary entry, assuming she is the only Fairy Godmother for all of the princesses in the land of Fairy Tales)