In 2013 the YS Kids Playhouse will revisit one of its most popular and inspirational musicals. Gaston Boudreaux – the Cajun Robin Hood resets the classic story of have and have-nots in the bayous of Louisiana. Predating the effects of Hurricane Katrina by three years, the play, written by Louise Smith and directed by John Fleming, foretold the effects of a water disaster on the delicate environmental balance of salt and fresh water in Southwest Louisiana. In 2002 Gaston Boudreaux – the Cajun Robin Hood received a Special Mention award in the Dayton Daily News overview of the 2001-02 theater season.

Writing in the YS News, current Yellow Springs Village Council president Judy Hempfling wrote: “In these troubled times our world is needing all of us to be inspired leaders in our daily lives. Gaston Boudreax shows (Smith and Fleming) doing just that as they lead our children, and as they lead all of us through the inspiration and wisdom we gained from the play.”

Gaston Boudreaux – the Cajun Robin Hood features classic Cajun and zydeco music as it entertains, provokes and inspires in a magical tale of human ingenuity in concert with awe of the natural world.

The production will reunite playwright Louise Smith, Director John Fleming and Composer and Musical Director Tucki Bailey. Other production personnel include Ara Beal, Immersion 1 Director, Ayn Wood, Costumer, Greg “Duke” Dewey and Mike Kremer, musicians. Valerie Claggett is the season’s producer.

In this centennial year of the 1913 Dayton Flood, the YSKP will join the Miami Conservancy and Tecumseh Land Trust to participate in events around the Miami Valley that honor the legacy of Arthur Morgan and help to bring forth the next generation of environmental stewards.

The Fais Do-Do Season will include two free special events: on July 14 at The Emporium there will be a Wine Tasting with Tucki Bailey and Friends, a lively evening of music and conversation with the creators and performers of The Cajun Robin Hood. On July 17 Trouble the Water, a documentary film by Carl Deal and Tia Lesson will be presented in the Antioch Midwest Auditorium. Special guests Linda Schexnaydre and Jeanne Dumestre will be on hand to talk about their experiences as Nurses and Activists during Hurricane Katrina.

The Summer Theatre Immersion, for ages 9 and up, takes place June 8 – July 22. Fee: $150 (includes t-shirt and dvd). Participants in the Summer Theatre Immersion must attend the audition workshop. Information can be found by clicking the link below.

Auditions for the production will take place on May 11 and 19.  Audition information and a complete schedule for the Summer Theatre Immersion is included at the Auditions link.

Throughout the summer, the YSKP has weekly arts camps for youth of all ages. Click here for Arts Camps Schedule.

Click here to watch a video of  Summer Creative Arts Camps.

For specific questions and information about the YSKP’s Summer Youth Arts Programs:
Email: admin@yskp.org
Phone: 937-767-7800