DAVENPORT, IOWA (October 9, 2023) — Davenport Junior Theatre is excited to kick off the 72nd season with The Skokie Detective Charter School, written by Philip Dawkins, at the Davenport Junior Theatre, located in the Annie Wittenmyer Complex at 2822 Eastern Avenue, Davenport, Iowa, 52803. Performance dates/times are Saturday, October 14: 1PM** and 4PM (**ASL Interpreted Performance on 10/14 @ 1PM); Sunday, October 15, 3PM; Saturday, October 21: 1PM and 4PM; and Sunday, October 22, 3PM. (Admission is free; donations welcomed. No reservations required. Show runs approximately sixty minutes and is appropriate for all ages.)
Audiences will enjoy this fun detective show that utilizes different genres (film noir, Edwardian romance, young adult mystery, and spaghetti western) to tell the story and solve the mystery. This amusing and light-hearted show involves over three dozen students from all over the Quad Cities.
The kids, who range in age from ten to eighteen, are not only the actors, but the crew members, tech-board operators, front-of-house team, and Junior Theatre mascot: Showtime Pal. While the cast and crew are completely composed of students, the production team is made up of adult theatre artists. This joint venture is part of what makes Junior Theatre so special and unique.
"Working with the students at Davenport Junior Theatre has been rewarding as an artist and an educator. These artists have collaborated to create a piece that is high energy and hilarious, and I can't wait for audiences to enjoy it!"
— Max Moline (Director)
Junior Theatre veterans Max Moline and Valerie Moore helm this production as Director and Stage Manager. Alexander Scott Richardson pulls off a trifecta as Sound, Light, and Projections Designer, the always-fabulous Erin Emerle returns to design costumes with wardrobe assistant Jillian Sharfe, and Becky Meissen brings the set to life as our Scenic Painter. We love having returning production team members, but are also very excited about our NEW production team members: Francis Dunbar as Set Designer, Kevin Hurley as Master Carpenter, and JT alum Tyler Wilburn as Props Master!
“If you’re looking for a really fun and engaging way to spend an afternoon with your family, you will absolutely love this experience,” says artistic director Ashley Becher. “You’ll leave the theatre feeling inspired by the joy and bravery that these kids pour onto the stage. It’s contagious! Plus, it’s just a really great show!”
Founded in 1951, Davenport Junior Theatre is the second oldest children’s theatre in the country and provides a myriad of theatrical opportunities to Quad City youth. Through all these creative opportunities and responsibilities, Junior Theatre prepares kids for a lifetime of success, no matter what path their lives may take. The Skokie Detective Charter School is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts Inc (playscripts.com).
About Junior Theatre:
The mission of Junior Theatre Inc is to partner with Davenport Junior Theatre to build self-confidence and offer creative opportunities by producing accessible theatre for kids by kids. Programs are built upon its lasting heritage to become a premier center for the performing arts for youth of all ages and ability levels, enriching their childhood experiences and their knowledge of the performing arts to lead them to a brave, bold tomorrow. To learn more, visit: DavenportJuniorTheatre.org.
