Book by Melvin Tunstall III
Lyrics by Douglas Lyons
Music by Greg Borowsky & Douglas Lyons
Polkadots follows 8-year-old Lily Polkadot who just moved to the "Squares Only" small town of Rockaway. As the first Polkadot in an all Square school, Lily faces an almost impossible task of gaining acceptance from her
peers. From daily bullying, to segregated drinking fountains, Lily's quest seems hopeless until she meets Sky, a
shy Square boy whose curiosity for her unique polkadot skin blooms into an unexpected pal-ship.
Inspired by Civil Rights pioneers Ruby Bridges and The Little Rock Nine, Polkadots serves as a colorful history lesson for the world, reminding us that our differences make us awesome, not outcasts.
May 12 - 20, 2018
BENJAMIN COOLEY Cooley (Sky): Previous shows at Playhouse On Park: Don A CHORUS LINE; White Plains Performing Arts Center: Sheldon JUNIE B. JONES JINGLE BELLS BATMAN SMELLS, The Hartt School: Henrik A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC; Ensemble/Dance Captain 42ND STREET.
FAITH LAWRENCE (Lily Polkadot) Playhouse on the Park Debut! Park Playhouse: Lily Polkadot POLKADOTS: THE COOL KIDS MUSICAL; Texas Christian University (TCU): Leading Player PIPPIN, Jewel THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, God EVERYMAN, T-Anne/Andwyneth ANTON IN SHOW BUSINESS, Hot Box Girl GUYS AND DOLLS. Faith received her BFA in Musical Theatre from TCU in May 2017. To God be the glory!
SERENA RYEN (Ms. Square, Mama Square): Playhouse on Park debut! Cincinnati Playhouse: Ismene ANTIGONE, Maddie HIGH SCHOOL ALIEN, Ensemble & Belle u/s A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Charlotte Corday u/s THE REVOLUTIONISTS; NJ Playwrights’ Contest: Sleeping Beauty DISENCHANTED!; RTL: Martha Dobie THE CHILDREN’S HOUR. Serena is a proud alum of The Stella Adler Studio and AMDA. She is also a filmmaker and her short film “CASHED” will be making its world premiere this season. Thank you to Sean, Douglas, and her Schmeh!!
MAY YOSHIOKA (Penelope Square): Playhouse on Park Debut! York Theatre: Maria LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST, Ensemble WONDERLAND; Marymount Manhattan College: Sabina THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH, Marcy Park 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, Ellen/Linda POTATO CREEK CHAIR OF DEATH. May graduated this past May from Marymount Manhattan College with a Bachellors in Theatre Arts with a concentration in performance and a minor in Musical Theatre. Special thanks to her Mom and Dad, the rest of the Yoshioka clan, and her friends for always supporting her!
DOUGLAS LYONS (Director) is an award winning composer-lyricist and actor. Broadway: BEAUTIFUL (Original Cast) and THE BOOK OF MORMON. Tours: RENT, DREAMGIRLS and THE BOOK OF MORMON (1st National). Douglas won the 2017 Gypsy Rose Lee Award as Best Leading Actor for Coalhouse Walker Jr. in The 5th Ave Theatre's RAGTIME. As a writer, FIVE POINTS world premiere (Theater Latte Da), POLKADOTS THE COOL KIDS MUSICAL (Atlantic Theater Co), Commissions: '64 (The 5th Ave), PETE(HER) PAN (Casa Mañana). With composer Ethan Pakchar his lyrics have played Lincoln Center, The Old Globe, Prospect Theater Company, Goodspeed Musicals, Seattle Rep, The Public's Joe's Pub and more. He is currently in residence at The Directors Company. @DouglasSings
*Appears courtesy of Actors Equity, the profession union for actors and stage managers.
