Tyrannosaurus tragedy
<p>Natalie Mitchell, playing the part of Mrs. Gap, left, tugs on Prince Quincy, played by Cameron Robinette, as Patric Schwaab, as Mr. Glut, far right, joins in the number during dress rehearsal Wednesday for Lake City High's production of Dinosaur Musical that begins tonight at 7 p.m.</p>
There's tragedy, teamwork and T-Rexes aplenty on Lake City High School's main stage production this March, as "The Dinosaur Musical" brings kid-friendly theater to audiences of every age and species.
The play works on several levels - it's a cute story about dinosaurs for youngsters; a "girl power" story to appeal to teenagers; and a musical comedy with lots of wit to appeal to adults.
The play tells the tale of late Cretaceous Earth, where a meteor has just struck, disrupting the supply of food and balance of life for every dinosaur roaming the planet. Herbivores and carnivores band together under the leadership of King Tyrannosaurus, making a pact not to eat "anything capable of thought" as a way to save the species. But when the king dies and his teenage son, Quincy, must take his place, the dinosaurs' precious peace breaks down - and it's up to the youngest members of the species to save everyone from extinction.
Themes of cooperation snake throughout the show, as cross-species romances develop and predators befriend prey. Through it all, the youngsters show the elders that survival often depends on reaching out to others - even if you eat different food, walk on four feet instead of two or roar a different roar.
"The Dinosaur Musical" opens in the court of King Marcus, King of the Tyrannosaurus Rexes. Marcus brings an end to the carnivorous violence between dinosaur species by brokering "The Treaty of Meat," which essentially turns all of the meat-eating behemoths into vegetarians.
After Marcus dies, his meek and naive son Quincy is forced to assume the throne. Quincy is manipulated by his scheming aides into breaking the treaty, which leads to an all-out war between the T-Rexes and other dinosaurs.
The highlight of the show comes at the start of the second act, with "Spaghetti," a silly ditty that will have audience members humming along even after the song ends. Songs throughout the show are marked by kid-centric goofiness, with simple lyrics and melodies that make the entire production appealing for viewers of all ages.
"The Dinosaur Musical" is recommended for children in grades three through six; yet with colorful costumes and singable songs, this 90-minute show delights even the youngest theatergoers with themes of friendship and cooperation in the face of adversity.
"The Dinosaur Musical" runs 7 tonight and Friday, and 2 p.m. Saturday, and March 10-12, at the Lake City High School Auditorium, 6101 Ramsey Road. Tickets are $6 general admission and $5 for a Lake City High School ASB.
Tickets may be purchased at the following locations: Lake City High School main office or at Figpickel's Toy Emporium, 312 E. Sherman.