One of Dallas’s favorite clowns brings Dallas Children’s Theater’s BLUE to life. Dick Monday, the director and well-known physical comedian, shares with us his key ingredients for connecting with the audience.
Give me 3 words to describe BLUE.
Blue. Blue. Blue.
What do you like most about BLUE?
I like seeing characters change the way they see the world right in front of our eyes. Inky and Pale are like everyone in the audience, afraid to say yes to a different color. The characters and story are about change. And change is scary.
What experience are you trying to create for audiences viewing BLUE?
Hopefully a colorful experience. One that starts with a lot of blue and then explores more blue, and finally is blown away by the appearance of red. It starts with engaging the audience…always engaging. Simply and clearly. And I think it has to be funny.
What is it like being a director?
I don’t know what it’s like to be a director, but I know what I like about directing. It’s a chance to bring life and laughs and lights and sets and sounds to reality from somebody else’s words.
Describe a memorable moment you’ve had at DCT.
My favorite moments are many, but my most magical moments are performing in the lobby before the sensory-friendly shows. Those kids rock my world.
What’s your favorite children’s story? Why?
Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy. It’s the first story I remember my mom reading to me, a hundred billion times.
BLUE runs from April 21 – May 7, 2017. For tickets, go to dct.org.