The Emperor’s New Clothes

By now the cast has been selected, rehearsals have begun and props are being made for Stage West’s production of The Emperor’s New Clothes.

Swindlers, a royal family, a village full of characters and one honest child make up the cast of The Emperor’s New Clothes.

The musical is from an original script written by South Islander John Roebuck. He is also the director along with Debbie Wagner.

“He has an awful lot of experience doing stage productions,” says Fritz Schulze, a member of Stage West Players and the producer for The Emperor’s New Clothes. “It’s pretty standard that we do a musical every year.”

Roebuck says the story is the children’s fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen.

“In any case anyone familiar with the Hans Christian Andersen tale will recognize what they’re doing in the show,” said Roebuck. “the story can be told in five minutes — I’ve fleshed it out a bit.”

Roebuck said the casting of 52 is a “full deck of cards.” He has included a royal family made up of females who are the emperor’s closest advisors. Included in the cast are six Kenyans and three Canadians from Canada World Youth.

“It’s a biggie,” said Roebuck, “everyone has lots to do.”

What’s a fairy tale without a moral. The moral in this child’s tale is a simple one, but the subtlety comes in what the adults will see and hear.

“It will be fun to do,” he said. “The story itself is political, it’s more than a social commentary. “

He said it is hard not to resist a little politics although politics is hinted at rather than being blatant.

“The message has to do with affectation with material things and how honest and dishonest people are in their daily actions,” said Roebuck. “Only one child is honest enough to speak his mind. It’s about truth, honesty and relationships.”

Roebuck has been aN actor with Stage West as well. He had roles in Fiddler on the Roof and The Good Doctor. Along with being a playwright he is a musician. Roebuck wrote his first play in 1986 while living in Europe.

What will be interesting is how the costumer will “clothE” the emperor in his invisible finery.

Heading up the costume, prop, makeup roles and kid-wrangling is Bobbie-Jo Peterson. She has her hands full and is seeking five or six volunteers who might be able to help during the production dressing the cast and helping with costume emergencies. She could also use help with set construction, hair and makeup and child minding.

If anyone has buckle or dance shoes they would care to donate to Stage West, give Peterson a call at 250-642-0550.

The production will hit the boards in November for an eight-day run.