Marley Ritchie. (Provided)
Youth around the Twin Cities have taken on an artistic feat of imagination and human empathy to bring to life a musical adaptation of “Milo Imagines the World.”
It’s brought new experiences for a St. Anthony woman, too.
“The story is about not judging people by just the way they look,” said Marley Ritchie, a St. Anthony Village resident and the assistant choreographer. It’s her first production with Children’s Theatre Company (CTC).
CTC premiered the musical based on the book by Terry Guest. On a New York City subway, Milo passes his time imagining the lives of the other passengers.
Ritchie takes pride in being part of the theater, especially since most actors at the company are people of color. “I’m a bi-racial, mixed person and I never got to go to the theater and see myself on stage.” Ritchie said. “I’m so excited for children to come see this production and come see themselves on stage.”
Ritchie is a Twin Cities-based choreographer and began her career in theater eight years ago, at age 20. She has previously been a teaching artist with Children’s Theatre Company’s summer camps.
A lifelong dancer, Ritchie has always been interested in the art of movement. “I said I will do anything to get my foot in the door at Children’s Theatre.”
The theater’s adaptation of “Milo Imagines the World” is essentially original. “It is a truly original show where they’re creating it as we go,” Ritchie said. “You come to rehearsal and hear the song for the first time.”
Producer Mikael Burke and choreographer Breon Arzell said they put their own spin on the story, including original music. “That was really fun for me,” Ritchie said. “The work might change anytime. The material might change.”
Children’s Theatre Company embraced creative freedom with the production. “I’m part of something that no one has seen before,” Ritchie said. “The music is amazing. It’s a bop. When they say it’s for all ages, it really is.”
“Milo Imagines the World” opened Saturday, Feb. 5 and runs through March 9 on the UnitedHealth Group Stage, 2400 3rd Ave. S.
The poster for “Milo Imagines the World. (Provided)