ESU’s 64th season of Summer Theatre concludes with Krista (Funky Mama) Eyler’s “Moo Juice: The Musical.” The first of four performances will be presented Wednesday, July 25 at 7:30 pm. Jim and Lindy Bartruff will direct the show. Melinda Groves is the rehearsal pianist.
The show, inspired by the real-life exploits of Eyler’s own two sons, is ideal for kids and parents alike. The show is a rock n' roll musical about a group of 5-year-olds — Joseph (Ben Hill, North Platte, NE), Charlie (Tyler Lang, Wichita), Krissy (Isabelle Nelson, Olathe), Mary Jane (Zulema Renteria, Emporia) and Katie (Olivia Nunnelly, Goddard) — making it through one very musical and comical day in daycare with their kind and harried teacher, Mrs. Patty (Mollie McClanahan, Topeka). Each character in “Moo Juice” plays a role in maintaining order in what can be a very chaotic daily environment. The children must behave or their favored field trip to Happy Chippy Cheeseland will be cancelled.
Costumes and scenery for the production are being designed by ESU Alum Lexey Jost (BFA, 2014.) Lexey is currently a graduate student in theatre scenography at KU. Chris Lohkamp is the technical director and manages the scene shop and its crew including Harriel Mack (Newton), Mason Nicks (Leavenworth), Elizabeth Higbee (Tonganoxie), Jared Steele (Garden City), Yerim Noh (Pohang, South Korea), Cameron White (Meriden) and Cameron Webb (Shawnee). Amanda Dura is the costume coordinator and shop manager overseeing the costume crew of Dayne Sabatos (Burlington), Miranda Kimble (Mullinville) and Elizabeth Tate (Sand Springs, OK). Abbi Timmermeyer (Andover) and Lucas Coble (Olpe) are the Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager. Harriel Mack (Newton) will serve as House Manager, and Emily Rayson (Ottawa) will serve as the publicity and social media director for the show.
“Moo Juice: The Musical” runs July 25-27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Karl C. Bruder Theatre in King Hall at Emporia State University. A family matinee is scheduled for the final performance on Saturday July 28 at 2 p.m. For tickets to these performances, visit the Memorial Union Ticket Office or go online at tickets.emporia.edu. You can also call the ticket office at 620-341-6378. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students.