INTERVIEW: Classic Hans Christian Andersen tale musicalized for stage
Photo: The Little Match Girl brings to life the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale. Photo courtesy of Michael Blase / Provided by Kampfire PR with permission.
Hans Christian Andersen’s classic story The Little Match Girl has been newly interpreted by Yaya Kids Theater and Ting Wang. The musical, which plays through Feb. 23 at St. Luke’s Theatre in New York City, is directed and choreographed by Greg Ganakas, and also features a book by Oxygen Media, lyrics and additional book by Jeff Edmond, and music and musical direction by Alastair William King.
Here’s the premise for the kid-friendly show, which is recommended for children 8 and up: It’s New Year’s Eve, and the title character needs to head out into the streets and sell matches in order to bring home some money for her family. What she experiences in her adventures will change her and perhaps even change the world.
Wang, who goes by Roxy, is the founder of Yaya Kids Theater and Oxygen Media. She has left her creative mark in many different media, including TV, theater and the web, according to her official biography. Recently she exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox about The Little Match Girl. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What qualities do you like the best about Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Match Girl?
This is a cruel, sad story about a girl who is abandoned by society and challenged the time period in which she lives. However, we have been able to create an uplifting ending which beautifies her road to heaven. This tragic story is very powerful, and it allows children to learn about the exquisite power of love.
What’s it like to work with this creative team on this musical project?
I have an incredibly talented team who have dedicated so much time and effort into costumes, lighting, sound and set design. My partners and I have created many great musical pieces to accompany this wonderful story, with a goal of making this familiar story more modern, more interesting and more fun. We have an amazing team! It’s a great collaborative process for us.
Is the show best enjoyed by younger theatergoers?
Of course! Our intention is to fill the houses with young kids and their parents. In addition to original music, we deepened the original story. Sometimes the story and music are very fun and rhythmic, and sometimes they’re sad and melancholy. We orchestrated with different instruments to illustrate varying emotions. I believe audiences will really love the show!
What inspired you to found Yaya Kids Theater?
I was a talk show host in China, focusing on women and children. I’ve always been a fan of musical theatre, having seen the impact of musicals on young children and families. How the joy of singing and dancing can bring families together. I started producing musicals in China. After taking the first step in China, I started to move our shows to a global stage. I love the energy that live performances creates for audiences. It cannot be compared with TV. It’s more vivid and interesting. I founded Yaya Kids Theater to make musicals available for more families. We want to create musicals that stand out to audiences both visually and musically.
How difficult is it to be an independent theatrical producer nowadays?
I have not felt the hardship and difficulty at all! I’m super happy with the whole creation process.
What’s the future of The Little Match Girl beyond this two-week run in New York City?
After the performances in New York, we will continue doing this show, producing it in other regions of the U.S. and in China. I believe kids around the world will love this story because it’s a familiar story that has been updated. We will keep bringing more new shows to New York. Our company will continue to create diverse pieces and to work with new and interesting professional artists.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
The Little Match Girl plays through Feb. 23 at St. Luke’s Theatre in New York City. Click here for more information and tickets.
