Theatre series continues with production focused on young audiences

A production geared toward young audiences that offers fun and laughter while imparting valuable lessons and thought-provoking moments will be the next offering in the Walter Gloor Mainstage Series at SUNY Fredonia.

The Department of Theatre and Dance will present five performances of “Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mime!” from March 2 through 5 in the Alice E. Bartlett Theatre on the Fredonia campus.

Performances times are 7 p.m. on March 2, 3 and 4 with 2 p.m. matinees on March 4 and 5. Tickets are available through the Campus Ticket Office in the Williams Center, by phone at 716-673-3501 and online.

“Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mime!” is directed by theatre department faculty member Dr. Nestor Bravo Goldsmith and was devised by The Fredonia Young Company, a group founded in 2021 on the premise theater should entertain, educate and be accessible to everyone – especially young audiences.

“The Fredonia Young Company is committed to promoting theater that not only enthralls and motivates, but also teaches and is available to all, with a special focus on younger audiences,” Goldsmith said. “With this aim in mind, we have crafted ‘Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mime!,’ an all-ages production influenced by the rich traditions of mime, clowning, theater of objects, Commedia dell’arte and masks.”

The show follows a troupe of five performers who visit a town to present eight captivating and educational stories through mostly nonverbal communication, encouraging the audience’s imagination and showcasing the timeless art of mime.

“Mime is an art form that harnesses the power of silence to express emotions, ideas, and messages through clear, precise, and beautiful physical actions, gestures and movements,” Goldsmith explained. “This presents a unique challenge, as half of the magic of mime lies in the audience’s ability to use their imagination to complete the story being told.”

Fourteen students are involved in the Mainstage production. In addition to the five performers, there is a nine-member production team with a stage manager, designers and technicians.

“Our goal is to provide a memorable and enriching experience for audiences, leaving them feeling entertained and rewarded on multiple levels – aesthetically, intellectually and emotionally,” Goldsmith said. “We hope to foster a sense of shared enjoyment between children and their parents. Through our presentation of heartwarming tales about love, collaboration, respect for nature and solidarity, we strive to create a theater experience that inspires, educates and captivates audiences of all ages and walks of life.”

“Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mime!” is presented as part of the 2022-23 Lake Shore Savings Season at Fredonia.