Daycamp 2008

Central Park Players Family Theatre Day Camp Opens ‘Mileep and the Attack of the Jellybean People’

Imagination is the key for Central Park Players as they open ‘Mileep and the Attack of the Jellybean People,’ Friday June 27 at the Grand Haven Community Center, 421 Columbus Avenue. ‘Mileep,’ written by Robert Bouwman and Todd Schaner, is the premiere production for Central Park Players Family Theatre Day Camp.

The Family Theatre division of CPP imagined a day camp which would provide a group of young actors the unique opportunity to learn more about the world of professional theatre. Through support, generosity, and hard-work the Family Theatre Day Camp became a reality.

CPP invited Robert Bouwman, co-author of ‘Mileep’ and founder of Corn Productions in Chicago, to serve as director-in-residence for the camp. “The lesson of the play was the lesson of the camp,” said Bouwman of the experience.

‘Mileep’ is the futuristic tale of a boy who uses his imagination to make the dull world of Cashton come to life. When Mileep’s imagination transports him to the land of Jellybeaneatus, he starts to wonder if he’s bitten off more than he can chew.

The cast and crew of ‘Mileep’ also faced many challenges, including the goal of preparing the musical in just three short weeks. Everyone’s dedication to the show and its characters made this feat easier than anticipated, said Bouwman.

The young actors were asked to expand their imaginations and play many fantastical roles including jellybeans, pretzel women, robots, and black licorice; to name a few. “As an author it is great to see that they appreciate what I saw in my head,” said Bouwman.

As camp comes to a halt and the cast prepares to open ‘Mileep,’ they trust audiences will enjoy using imagination as much as they have.

“If they ask me back next year, I imagine I will come,” said Bouwman of returning to the camp. CPP plans to make the Family Theatre Day Camp a season staple.

The show runs Friday June 27 at 7p.m. and Saturday June 28 at 3p.m. and 7p.m. at the Grand Haven Community Center, 421 Columbus Avenue. Ticket prices are $3.00 for children and $6.00 for adults. For ticket information call 616-971-1329 or visit www.centralparkplayers.org.