Splashing, Swimming, Sailing: the premiere of "Water Sings Blue"

by Spencer Duncan, dramaturg

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The original book by Kate Coombs, illustrated by Meilo So.  (Photo credit: amazon.com)[/caption]

Hi, I'm Spencer Duncan, the dramaturg for the new children’s show, Water Sings Blue, adapted by Teresa Dayley Love. A highly interactive show, Water Sings Blue follows a handful of colorful characters on their day at the beach. Reminiscent of the carefree childhood of the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, the show is staged in the visual comedy style of French comedian Jacques Tati (think Rowan Atkinson’s Mr. Bean). As families and audience members play along, they will get to watch our actors transform from lovable human characters into a myriad of marine animals. Some lucky audience members will get to transform into sea creatures themselves! This charming play would be nothing without the poetry of Kate Coombs. Based on her same-named picture book, Coombs’ poems ebb in and out, navigating the action, and breaking through like waves in an otherwise wordless production. That’s not to say the sounds of the ocean won’t be present. But what could be better to describe the ocean than poetry? Water Sings Blue will sail to elementary schools throughout Utah, performing at BYU’s Margetts Theatre starting 25 September. Discover the wonder, the laughter, and the love we find at the sea; stay tune for more posts. You won’t want to miss learning about our devising process! Click to preview the show's poems on amazon.com.