Kids have the chance to learn about the democratic process in a fun and creative way at the Walnut Street Theatre next month. The historic theater’s production of “Grace For President” will run onstage from February 1 – 9.
According to the release, the show is based on the popular book “Grace for President” that was conceived after an editor’s preschool daughter asked why no women have ever been elected president. Written by Kelly Dipucchio and illustrated by LeUyen Pham, “Grace for President” was listed on The New York Times Best Seller list in 2008. Critics praised the book for putting democracy and the electoral college in easy-to-understand terms.
After reaching popularity on the shelves, the book was then adapted into an animated film that was narrated by Tony Award Winner Anika Noni Rose before reaching it’s musical stage adaptation that same year at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte.
The now adapted stage show follows the story of Grace, who after learning there has never been a woman in the Oval Office decides to take matters into her own hands and run for class president. This show is the perfect opportunity for children to get their first steps into learning about the democratic process and how it works.
According to the release, fresh off his turn as the titular ogre in the Walnut’s production of Shrek The Musical, Nichalas L. Parker returns to direct “Grace For President.” Parker’s directing credits at the Walnut include last season’s Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium, as well as Freedom Riders as part of the Walnut’s Touring Outreach program. As an actor, he has been seen on the WST stage in Memphis, The Wizard of Oz, and Civil War Voices. When not performing, Parker is a teaching artist and uses his experiences on stage to instruct and inspire students all over the tri-state area.
“What I love about Grace for President is that it gives young girls, especially girls of color, a chance to see themselves on stage as leaders,” Parker said in the release. “I am excited for this high-energy cast to tell this timely story.”
For more information on “Grace For President” and the Walnut Street Theatre (825 Walnut St.) visit walnutstreettheatre.org
