The ‘MAD LIBRarians’ mix improv with interactivity with some silly results
Welcome to the New Chapterton Public Library in Anytown, USA. This is where the ad-libbed kids’ play MAD LIBRarians takes place. It’s story time before the library staff and volunteers sort through the new books that just arrived.
So begins BETC’s first foray into children’s theatre — an improvised show using the “Mad Libs” approach that will play in locations in Denver and Boulder through May.
During story time, all of the children in the audience are invited to join librarian Beth Anne Quincy (Nanna Thompson) on the rug while she reads “Farmer Duck,” a story about, you guessed it, a duck who becomes a very passionate farmer so he can save his and his friends’ home. My 6-year-old son, Sage, was so excited while listening to the story that he raised his hand to get Beth Anne’s attention while she entertainingly told the story of Farmer Duck. She kindly took an unscripted pause in her reading and addressed Sage’s raised hand as he excitedly told her and the audience, “I’ve actually never read this book before!”
When story time ends, that’s when the real fun begins at New Chapterton Library. We’re introduced to the different characters who volunteer at the library as they review the new books. These are unlike anything you’ve ever read to your kids before since they’re ad-libbed from the imagination of the children in the audience and brought to life by the library’s staff and volunteers.
The raw material comes from slips of paper the kids fill out before they enter the studio. The actors incorporate those details into the books being reviewed and acted out. It reminded me of the improve TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? but geared toward kids with gags to make the whole family laugh.
One tall tale improvised on the spot was about a giraffe who started molting. To help with his molting he gets a shot that makes him laugh hysterically. But the giraffe’s laughter causes his friends to think he’s being mean and laughing at them. To fix his condition, he visits a magical land where he’s cured by an ex-girlfriend.
The second story called, “Where the Rambunctious Things Are,” was about a kid named Flamer who rages out and shoots fire when she doesn’t get her way. Flamer is also dealing with feelings of neglect because her mom works a lot. She goes on a journey and then returns home in the future, hundreds of years later, where she finds her mom cryogenically frozen awaiting for her return. These creative stories are fueled by Mad Libs silliness and the brain power of children — and no performance’s stories will ever be the same.
Once the 50-minute show ended, I fully understood why librarian Beth Anne Quincy embraced Sage’s interruption during story time on the rug earlier. The characters in this play thrive off the unscripted and give order to the chaotic magical imaginations of children. During the show, my son and his friend laughed loudly and engaged in the action by making suggestions to be acted on by the players.
Their opinion of the show came on the way out when they asked if they could come back next weekend. They clearly appreciated that they saw a one-of-a-kind play that included wholly new and original stories. Their reactions brought a smile to my heart because we got to share something totally authentic together.
As BETC continues to roll out engaging new programming, MAD LIBRarians is a strong addition and highly recommended for a family good time. The kids get to participate fully by throwing out crazy, fun ideas to be acted out by the talented cast while the parents are entertained by the magic of these young, beautiful minds.
Leave A Comment