Children and adults make up the cast of the fantasy play “The Milk Dragon,” by Suzan Zeder (a well-known writer of theater for young audiences) performed by The Children’s Community Theater. The three-act play tells the story of two children, Zack and Abra, and their journey after leaving their “perfect” but restrictive village, where life is safe and orderly but spiritually empty. By facing their fears, they find a world where imagination and creativity are abundant. The play is considered both an adventure story and an allegory that uses make-believe to explore universal feelings in children.
Lead characters Zack and Abra live in a black-and-white world. Anything unusual, imaginative, or different is considered dangerous and is banned. By chance they meet the Milk Dragon, an extraordinary creature made up of light and color. Together, they travel to a hidden world where everything their village forbids—free thought, different people, even forgotten words—still exists. Along the way, they meet danger and a number of magical characters.
John Ray D., who portrays Zack, said, “My character is rational. He shows that you have to face your fears and overcome them to make changes.” Traeha T., who plays Abra, said, “The script was difficult to begin with because the font is different when there are lines from different plays, but it’s fun and I’m catching on.”
Other characters add depth and humor to the story: Max, who is half boy and half wolf; the Wizard, who runs a “hospital” for words that have been abused or twisted; Magda, who keeps the history of theater safe; and the Bag Lady, who preserves everything that has been lost or forgotten.
Colorful light and sound effects support the feelings and actions of the characters. The theme can feel dark in the beginning—especially the universal fears children experience—yet the story is told with humor and speaks to both children and adults. Phillip Stone, in an adult role, said, “It’s very entertaining for adults, the play on words, with lines from Shakespeare and Shaw. For the kids, it’s just so exciting to be seen and appreciated.”
Why is the play titled “The Milk Dragon”? Playwright Zeder explained that milk brings to mind “nourishment and life,” while the dragon represents “imagination and transformation.”
Director and Pastor Suzanne Calhoun describes the final scene: “The ending is hopeful. The children understand that their parents, the “black-and-white village,” were trying to protect them from danger. But Zack and Abra don’t stay in this new place, where freedom and creativity are real. They decide to go back, to share what they have learned with their village, that they might see the possibilities for a richer, more joyful life.”
Know & go
WHAT: The Milk Dragon
WHO: Children’s Community Theatre
WHERE: Nevada City United Methodist Church, 433 Broad Street, Nevada City
WHEN: July 23, 24, 25, 7 p.m.; July 26 matinee, 2 p.m.
SUGGESTED DONATIONS: Adults $12, Seniors and Children $10, Under 5 free
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.theunion.com ’
