Polkadots produced by Spotlight Youth Theatre
2020-2021 Season

Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical JV

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A colorful history lesson reminding us that our differences are to be celebrated! This family musical was performed and livestreamed June 18-27, 2021.

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Playbill for Polkadots at Spotlight Youth Theatre

Book by Melvin Tunstall III
Music by Greb Borowsky & Douglas Lyons
Lyrics by Douglas Lyons
Based on an Original Concept by Douglas Lyons

About This Production

Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical follows 8-year-old Lily Polkadot, who just moved to the “Squares Only” small town of Rockaway. As the first Polkadot in an all Square school, Lily faces an almost impossible task of gaining acceptance from her peers. From daily bullying to segregated drinking fountains, Lily’s quest seems hopeless until she meets Sky, a shy Square boy whose curiosity for her unique polka-dot skin blooms into an unexpected pal-ship.

Inspired by the events of The Little Rock Nine, Polkadots serves as a colorful history lesson for children. It reminds them that our individual differences make us awesome, not outcasts.

Directors’ Note

From the playbill:

When Kenny asked us to be directors for this show, it was reminiscent of the first time we worked together on 13: The Musical right here at Spotlight just a few years ago. It was a dream come true.

Marley grew up as a youth performer here, and directing has always felt like a chance to give back. It is our mission to pour our hearts and efforts into making shows memorable and impactful not
just for our audiences, but for the kids. Polkadots: The Cool Kid Musical was a passion project by
its creators; the messages intended are of acceptance, togetherness, strength, and resilience. Lily
Polkadot’s journey with the Squares at Rockaway is wildly imaginative, yet based on real events.
It is a perfect mixture of light-hearted fun and drama for our audience members, while everybody
can find the common ground our show aspires to portray.

On behalf of our collaborative staff, we are honored to present our vision of Polkadots to you.

Please enjoy!
Adam Bei & Marley DeGroodt-Bei
Directors

Cast

  • Lily Polkadot Brooklyn Martin
  • Penelope Square McKenzie Lopezlira
  • Sky Square William Richardson
  • Mrs. Square Jaely Damasco
  • Mama Square Sophia Mengel
  • Gabby Square Valerie Winch
  • Kimmy Square Audrey Palacios
  • Emma Square Sara Drago
  • Molly Square Charlee Shaver
  • Ally Square Janella Beaver
  • Jackie Square Jaxyn Damasco
  • Kathie Square Avery Stewart
  • Henry Square AJ King
  • Timmy Square J.R. Riddle

Production Team

  • Direction Adam Bei & Marley DeGroodt-Bei
  • Musical Director Adam Bei
  • Choreographer Marley DeGroodt-Bei
  • Video Production Anthony Rozzen
  • Video Direction Noah Lanouette
  • Stage Manager Sabina Dart
  • Dance Captain Jaely Damasco
  • Assistant Choreographer Patrick Mullen
  • Scenic Design Mike Armstrong
  • Costume Design Audrey Wawro
  • Lighting & Sound Design Josh Hontz
  • Hair & Makeup Design Brenda Goodenberger
  • Properties Design Kenny Grossman & Vicki Grossman
  • Light Board Operator Olivia Martinez
  • Sound Operator Jaden Schwab
  • Camera Operators Sabina Dart & Reagan Little

Awards & Recognitions for This Production

2020-2021 ariZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence

  • Best Overall Production – Youth Musical (Nominated)
  • Actress in a Major Role – Youth Musical: (Nominated) Brooklyn Martin
  • Actress in a Supporting Role – Youth Musical: (Nominated) Jaely Damasco
  • Actress in a Supporting Role – Youth Musical: (Nominated) McKenzie Lopezlira
  • Director – Youth Musical: (Nominated) Adam Bei and Marley DeGroodt-Bei
  • Choreography – Youth Theatre: (Nominated) Marley DeGroodt-Bei
  • Scenic Design – Youth Theatre: (Nominated) Mike Armstrong
  • Costume Design – Youth Theatre: (Nominated) Audrey Wawro