The Friend Strong Musical, IT’S EASY!
A NEW family musical with and for kids ages 8-14 about the power of friendship,
what to do about bullying and how, at every moment, words and actions can change the future and the lives of others!
The future is always changing. Sixth grader, Jed Travis, only wants to know if it will get better. Bullies make his life miserable at Goodwin Middle School where bystanders stay quiet and victims are many. With help from a wise custodian and a futuristic app, Jed and one unwitting bully learn how, in every moment, their words and actions change the future. Is it too late to change the heartbreaking fate of another bullied classmate?
Directed by January Akselrad, “The Friend Strong Musical, It’s Easy!” was nominated “Outstanding New Musical” and “Outstanding Ensemble” by the National Youth Arts Awards at its 2015 workshop debut. The anti-bullying “speak up, reach out and be a friend” message of the musical inspired the development of the national Be-A-Friend Project, a collaborator in this new production. Since 2015, the Be-A-Friend Project has delivered over 3,500 letters of peer support to severely bullied youths across the country to help them stay strong.
This 1st professional run features an ensemble cast of 29 middle school kids and 17 adults.
SHOWTIMES:
September 16, 7:30pm (Preview)
September 17, 2:00pm (Preview)
September 23, 7:30pm (Opening Night)
September 24, 2:00pm
October 1, 2:00pm and 7:00pm
October 4, 9:30am (SOLD OUT)
October 7, 7:30pm
October 8, 2:00pm
Music & Lyrics by January Akselrad
Book by January Akselrad and children’s author, Jennifer Jo Young
