By: Connie Klimek
Staff-writer
Curious as to the whereabouts of the Tortoise and the Hare? They certainly left a legacy, which their grandchildren expand upon in the Michele’s Little Hearts Theatre production at IU South Bend. Stream and support the show IU South Bend students and staff have spent months working on, to bring you the latest update from Old MacDonald’s Farm.
“Tortoise vs. Hare 2: This Time It’s Personal!” Brings audiences back to Old MacDonald’s farm where the original hare and original tortoise from the beloved children’s story “The Tortoise and the Hare,” have settled down. However, the tortoise and the hare’s grandchildren are full of energy and ready to race into their grandparents’ paths. The winner of this pivotal race not only wins bragging rights, but also wins a prize that affects the whole village.
To ensure the safety for all audience members, IU South Bend’s Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts, is bringing their show to you available to stream online. Although there is an undeniable magic that accompanies live theater, due to the best interest of audience safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic, students and staff at IU South Bend are transforming their magic onto the big screen as they bring their show to you. The show is available to stream beginning on Monday, February 21, 2022 through Friday, March 4, 2022.
“I’m really happy with how the show is turning out so far,” said Hannah Freeto, director. She is excited for audiences to see the costumes in the show, as Freeto made Wendy Woodchuck’s tail and ears.
The show reminds the audience of morals that are often disregarded in competition. While the grandchildren prepare for the race and compete, many emotions and expectations that athletes struggle with are highlighted.
As fun as it is to watch a hare hopping across the stage, a snake cheerleading on swings, and a woodchuck hang out on a jungle gym, the show focuses on the importance of morals in good sportsmanship and the impact of one’s actions not just on themself, but on everyone around them. The animals’ strategies and growth are notable lessons applicable not only to children, but to audience members of all ages.
Actor, Jessica DeCaire, shares that she enjoys the comedy associated with children’s shows and the freedom of performing in them, as there are no molds to limit her expression of her character.
Actors, Madison Coleman, junior, playing Wendy Woodchuck, Ellie Davis, sophomore, playing the original tortoise and Rochelle’s mom, Dan Klimczak, senior, playing Jack, Bobby Simons, sophomore, playing three roles of the original hare, Jack’s dad, and the second race official, and Jessica DeCaire, freshman, making her debut at IU South Bend, playing Ro-Shell, are all excited to share their characters’ journeys with an even broader audience thanks to the greater accessibility the show offers since it is online.
“I think this cast is doing a really great job of bringing their same energy from the stage to the screen, and we’re all happy to see the show come to what it’s come to (now),” said Klimczak.
IU South Bend’s Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts invites you to stream the Michele’s Little Hearts Theatre production “Tortoise vs. Hare 2: This Time It’s Personal!” The link to purchase tickets and stream the show is listed below.
Photo // Lexi Goy
