Sally Fiorello, National Tour Director, sat down with us to talk about THE ISLAND OF THE SKOG’s history on tour and to take a look at what makes DIARY OF A WORM, A SPIDER & A FLY a great show for audiences of all ages as we anticipate the cast’s return to Dallas.
SKOG 1998
What show was on tour during your first year working for the national tour?
My first year, the touring production was THE ISLAND OF THE SKOG. It was produced as the last show, the summer show during the 1997-1998 season, and then it was decided that we should bring it back as the touring production for the 1998-1999 season.
The touring company in 1998-1999 was lucky enough to perform THE ISLAND OF THE SKOG at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. Can you talk about the excitement of coordinating that?
They played The Kennedy Center on November 27, 28, and 29, 1998. That performance actually came about through a relationship [Executive Artistic Director] Robyn had with someone at The Kennedy Center. My focus was on preparing the cast and making sure they had everything they needed. The cast was thrilled to have the opportunity.
What makes DIARY OF A WORM, A SPIDER & A FLY different from other touring shows?
I would put it in the category of musicals that we put out that are exceptional because it has a good script with great music. We’ve been fortunate to be able to put a few of those out on the road. A great script doesn’t speak down to children. I look for material that is relatable to children, but also to their families – to the adults and teachers that see the show with them. I want an entire audience to enjoy our shows no matter the age range and shows like DIARY do just that.
National Tour Director Sally Fiorello
Is the cast excited to come home?
The touring casts are always excited to come home after many months on the road with all those people. When they come home, they love being able to perform for the hometown crowd, and they love that their families and friends can come see them. It’s a great thing to come do the show and then go back home to their own beds.
With THE ISLAND OF THE SKOG on stage now and DIARY OF A WORM, A SPIDER & A FLY coming up soon, there’s plenty of quality theater for all families at DCT! Get your tickets to see a spectacular show today at dct.org/plays
THE ISLAND OF THE SKOG
Adapted for the stage by Linda Daugherty
Music and lyrics by Nick Martin
Based on the book The Island of the Skog by Steven Kellogg
Copyright @1973 by Steven Kellogg
Now – May 25, 2019
Ages 3 and up
The best laid plans of mice and well, Skog, are upended in this lively musical adventure that navigates land and sea. When Jenny and her mice friends grow weary of ravenous cats, noisy humans, and peril on the streets, they decide a new island paradise is the order of the day. Led by the surly Captain Bouncer, the Rough-riding Rowdies think they’ve hit the jackpot until they discover that a “giant” already has dibs on their newfound home. The Rowdies and Skog each devise a survival of the fittest plan that, in the end, only points out the flaws that come with assuming the worst and refusing to compromise. A delightfully charming and gentle story that brings to life the author’s beloved illustrations and characters.
DCT’s NATIONAL TOURING PRODUCTION
DIARY OF A WORM, A SPIDER & A FLY
Book, Music & Lyrics by Joan Cushing
Based on the three books by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Harry Bliss
© 2011 Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss. By special arrangement with Pippin Properties, Inc. and Gurman Agency LLC.
June 14 – July 7, 2019
Ages 3 and up
The coolest ever rock-n-roll romp through a bug’s world commands center stage in this hip-hoppin’ musical that promotes eco-consciousness, earth science, and tolerance of others. The popular characters from the bestselling books are not so unusual: Worm eats his homework and has no legs. Fly has 327 siblings and wants to be a superhero. And Spider can’t wait to grow up and molt. When Fly’s Aunt Rita needs help getting out of a tight spot, the squad must combine their talents and work as a team on the rescue mission of a lifetime. While there’s no pop quiz, you might just learn that a bug’s life isn’t that different from your own.
Title Sponsors for THE ISLAND OF THE SKOG are Texas Instruments, TXU Energy, Legacy Texas. NATIONAL TOURING Sponsor is Neiman Marcus.
Photo Credits: Karen Almond and Robin Sachs