‘You Gotta Have a Dream!’

At Chandler October 26 & 27

The Chandler Center for the Arts in Randolph will present "You Gotta Have a Dream," a musical show about all kinds of dreaming, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26 and 27 at 7 p.m.

The show will feature 47 teens and youth, from 12 area towns, in an evening of entertainment for the whole family. This lively stage production includes original music, dance, readings, skits, rhythms and instrumentals that have been woven together under the direction of Patty Akley Warlick and musical director Susan Rule. The cast has been rehearsing twice a week at Chandler since mid-September.

"With the guidance of Patty and Susan we have been able to create our own beat to the music," says one teen. Another adds, "’You Gotta Have a Dream’ has been very fun and different, in a GOOD way! We have many talented people with amazing spirit. I can’t wait for the shows!"

Parents are also appreciative of the two directors’ teaching styles.

"This has been a confidence builder for our kids," said one. "They have been given opportunities to develop new skills and to stretch as much as they were comfortable stretching and leading. We love that our kids are able to form friendships with kids from other schools and towns."

"This experience has fostered an understanding of different learning styles for our daughter," said another parent, while yet another reflected that "this Chandler experience has been a wonderful outlet for our son and the dreams he has to perform in as many ways his heart desires."

The directors have also enjoyed the experience of creating this stage show.

"It’s been a pleasure working with both the adults and the kids involved" said Rule.

Akley Warlick adds, "When they’re standing up in front of me and just living their dream, with their beautiful voices and their incredible hearts—well, you feel like you are soaring."

Bethel artist Rebbie Carleton has offered workshops to the cast and families in the creation of the prop and set designs. She also enlisted the help of Randolph Elementary students in the creation of the show logo which will be used on posters, t-shirts and in the set design. Betsy Cantlin has managed the production details.

The cast will present a shorter one-hour version of "You Gotta Have a Dream" to over 480 elementary students as part of Chandler’s Arts in the Schools series Friday morning, continuing Chandler’s commitment to offering affordable arts experiences to area youth.

The evening performances are appropriate for people of all ages. Sponsors include Chandler Center for the Arts and groSolar (formerly Global Resource Options).

General admission tickets are available by calling 728-6464 between 3–6 p.m. weekdays, at tickets@chandler-arts.org, and at the door. Chandler Music Hall is handicapped accessible.

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