Ithaca College Theatre closes its 2021-2022 season with three different plays for young audiences that will be performed in rotation. The One Act Play Festival features works such as “Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse” adapted by Mrs. Hard from the book by Kevin Henkes and directed by Dean Robinson; “Unicorn Girl” written by Saviana Stanescu and directed by Courtney Young; and “Free Play” written by Idris Goodwin and directed by Austin Jones. The One Act Play Festival Runs from April 29 to May 1, 2022.
“Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse” tells the story of Lily, a precocious youngster who wants to be just like her favorite teacher, Mr. Slinger. She brings her prized purple plastic purse to school and can’t wait until sharing time but Mr. Slinger confiscates her treasures. Lilly acts out in anger and frustration, but learns a lesson about caring, respect, and forgiveness.
“Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse” is a classic children's story that many of the members of the cast and creative team remember from their own childhoods. As re-tellers of such a story the investment of energy and joy remains at the heart of the process.
“We are trying to keep the show moving forward in the spirit of youth that is so important to the piece while making sure that it has elements that appeal to all audiences,” says director Dean Robinson.