DEAR EDWINA JR. Encourages Theatergoers To 'Sing Your Own Song'

You don't want to miss the Metropolitan Performing Arts (MPA) lively youth production this May! Dear Edwina Jr is an uplifting musical about the pleasures of growing up. Thirteen-year-old Edwina Spoonapple is desperate to be part of the Kalamazoo Advice-a-palooza Festival. While her siblings both have ample evidence of their accomplishments, poor Edwina has no credibility. When a talent scout from the convention visits her hometown, she introduces her musical advice-giving show live from the family garage in hopes of finding her place in the spotlight. A spunky, singing version of Dear Abby, told through a show-within-a-show format, Edwina and her neighborhood friends share wisdom on everything from trying new foods to making new friends through clever, catchy and poignant songs. The show unfolds like a virtual block party and will delight children, teens and adults of all ages. This one-hour musical is part of The Broadway Junior Collection with music by Zina Goldrich and Book and Lyrics by Marcy Heisler.

Performances of Dear Edwina Jr run for weekend only, Saturday May 19th and Sunday May 20th inside the Royal Durst Theater at the Vancouver School of the Arts and Academics. The address is 3101 Main St in Vancouver, WA. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for youth. There is a special family day with discounted tickets for the Saturday 6:00pm show. Information and performance details are available at www.MetropolitanPerformingArts.org or by calling 360-975-1585. Group rates available. Tickets are more expensive at the door. Special VIP tickets available for the opening show red carpet event. VIP tickets include reserved seating, a picture with Edwina after the show and a concessions voucher. With only 3 performances, advanced reservations are strongly encouraged.

Barbara Richardson, MPA Executive Director says "The musical consists of letters that kids have written to Edwina, and from these letters, she puts on a musical production. The letters deal with typical things that trouble kids today: things like setting the table, saving money, foods you don't like, sibling relationships and making new friends."

"I spent a great deal of time reading material to pick for our season. This year I wanted to produce musicals that empower young folks, particularly young girls who are learning to speak their mind, explore their individuality, and understand that femininity includes being clever, smart and strong. Although Dear Edwina is not widely known, the lead character is a role model for independent and fearless thinkers. The show's theme to "sing your own song", to be unapologetically yourself makes it a must-see show."

Olivia Ashdown, 8th grader at Pacific Middle School plays Edwina Spoonapple says "I feel like I can relate to Edwina in the sense that she is artsy, quirky, a little bit out there. She likes to be a part of something and at the same time, she is dealing with self-doubt. She is someone that I really admire because she pulls through and doesn't let anything get in her way, no matter what anyone says about her.

"This is my first lead role. It's scary, but since I relate so much to Edwina it feels very natural." -Olivia Ashdown

Barbara goes on to say "All 22 performers in the show are kids from Vancouver, WA. I am amazed by the talent that's right here in our own backyard"

Dear Edwina Jr is directed by Paul Angelo, winner of the 2017 PAMTA special achievement in directing for his contributions to Portland theatre from 2005-2017. Musical director is MPA teacher, Kristin Heller with choreography by Broadway Veteran and acclaimed choreographer, Randy Davis.

"Our students are so lucky to have such an incredible group of theater professionals investing in their success as young performers. What makes MPA truly unique is the caliber of theater professionals who direct and teach our classes." -Barbara Richardson, MPA Executive Director

Metropolitan Performing Arts (MPA) is a Vancouver based non-profit academy and community theater that offers professional, technique driven classes in acting, dance, music and tech. MPA does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, age or disability. Their mission is to enrich the community by providing performance and educational opportunities in live arts for all. The cast of Dear Edwina Jr is part of the Musical Theater Program. The program's focus is to train 'Triple Threats'- talented individuals who can sing, dance and act with equal accomplishment. For more information, visit www.MetropolitanPerformingArts.org

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