NEVER GIVE UP

“Yo, Vikings!” to kick off new summer theater series at ECU

East Carolina University will kick off a new summer theater series on July 25 with the musical production of “Yo, Vikings!”

The story “shares a wonderful lesson about never giving up on a dream, about embracing the ideas of others, respecting others and offering support,” said Director Patch Clark, ECU professor and coordinator of theatre education’s theatre for youth program. “These are lessons for all ages, at all stages in their lives and work. Emma, the main character, becomes the champion of helping others.”

The story follows Emma, whose class assignment leads her to the local library to find out more about Vikings and exploration. When the town votes to close the library, Emma becomes a true leader and, with the help of her classmates, saves the library.

The musical is adapted from the book by Judy Schachner, best known for her “Skippyjon Jones” series. The musical was a finalist for the 2011 Richard Rodgers Award and a nominee for the 2012 Weston New Musical Award.

“Yo, Vikings!” will be July 25-27 in ECU’s new student center Black Box Theatre. The production will be the first in a new ECU Summer Fare series, which is designed to extend theatrical programming for young audiences through the summer months, said Michael Crane, producing artistic director.

The production has required a focused and energetic rehearsal schedule of just under three weeks, compared to four or five weeks during the regular academic year, Clark said.

“The entire cast has been amazing, and they love being able to concentrate on just the show,” she said. “It has been a joy to work with the cast and the crew, many of whom came back to campus early to work on costumes, sets and props for the show.”

Patch Clark directs “Yo, Vikings!” which tells the story of Emma, whose class assignment leads her to the local library to find out more about Vikings and exploration.

Savannah Medlin, a sophomore from Chesapeake, Virginia, who has acted and assembled props for previous ECU productions, is serving as stage manager for the first time. More than 20 people are in the cast and crew, and many are ECU students.

“It’s been a lot of fun. It’s a lot to keep organized and making sure things are running smoothly,” Medlin said. “Everyone has been helping. Everyone has been doubling up (on jobs).”

Dylan Bailey graduated from ECU in May and lives and works in Raleigh, but he said he couldn’t miss the opportunity to come back to Greenville and be involved in summer theater. He wanted to work with Clark again in what has been a long collaboration. It will be the ninth show in which Clark has directed Bailey. “It’s also my fourth show designing costumes for her and with her,” he said.

He said the costumes he designed reflect “a child’s interpretation of Vikings. It’s Emma’s vision,” Bailey said. “I think this story is perfect for a family, and I think the parents will walk away having a good time too. I hope the children who come will embrace their own individuality like Emma.”

Clark said summer theater is important for all ages and crucial to continued support of the arts. She hopes it’s the beginning of an ongoing tradition in Greenville. Crane said the series aims to expand to three titles next summer.

The production is supported by three private sponsors as well as WITN-TV and Mellow Mushroom.

For more information or tickets, which are $12, go to https://artscomm.ecu.edu/yo/ or call 252-737-5444. The performance runs about 80 minutes without an intermission.

Dylan Bailey rehearses his part in the upcoming ECU production.