Mill Mountain Theatre is paving the way for regional theatre across the country with their free digital release of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical , exclusively on Broadway on Demand.
Earlier this year, Mill Mountain Theatre was granted permission by the writers of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical (Melvin Tunstall III, Greg Borowsky & Douglas Lyons) and Broadway Licensing to produce a digital version of the production, streamed to MMT’s patrons and community partners through Broadway on Demand. This innovative production takes the place of Mill Mountain’s usual summer tour by providing free entertainment and education to the Roanoke community and beyond.
“Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical is exactly what the world needs right now,” said director Christopher Castanho. “Major thanks to writers, Melvin Tunstall III, Greg Borowsky & Douglas Lyons, who have granted us this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to produce their beautiful show. I could not be more excited to share this story of inclusion and love.”
Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical tells the story of 8-year-old Lily Polkadot, who has just moved to the “Squares Only” small town of Rockaway and is the first Polkadot at an all Square school. Experiencing everything from daily bullying to segregated rinking fountains, Lily feels hopeless until she meets Sky, a shy Square boy whose curiosity for her unique polkadot skin blooms into an unexpected friendship. Inspired by Civil Rights pioneers Ruby Bridges and The Little Rock Nine, Polkadots serves as a colorful history lesson, reminding us that our differences make us special, not outcasts.
“This was not only a unique process for us – rehearsing virtually for the first two weeks, filming over several days, and extensive video editing – but is the most important production we will present in 2020. Polkadots is the connection to our audiences, sponsors, and community partners during these challenging times,” said Ginger Poole, MMT Producing Artistic Director. After consultation with leading health officials in the Roanoke Valley and in conjunction with CDC and VDH recommendations, the theatre developed safety protocols that helped keep staff and performers safe throughout the process.
Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical is out NOW in honor of National Online Learning Day. The production is completely FREE and exclusively available through Broadway On Demand. The Musical is presented with special permission through Broadway Licensing. Join MMT’s mailing list to get the FREE link to watch the show as many times as they’d like until October 9. Visit millmountain.org/polkadots and click the red ‘tickets’ button to watch now.
