Review Fix chats with playwright Judi Lewis Ockler who discusses her production at the Midtown International Theatre Festival, “Rock N Roll Mother Goose.†Breaking down the inspiration for the performance, as well as his goals for the future, Ockler lets us know exactly why we should check out the production.
For more information on the production and the MITF, click here.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for this production?
Judi Lewis Ockler: I’ve always been really interested in promoting more children’s literature that highlights stories about strong girls- girls who defy traditional stereotypes and societal roles. Now that I’m a parent of a young girl, this is even more important to me. Years ago I was given as research for a pirate show I was working on a children’s book called “The Ballad of the Pirate Queens”  by Jane Yolen. It’s about the lives of two real-life pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Reade, gorgeously illustrated by David Shannon.   I wanted to bring these adventurous ladies to the stage in a way that kids could identify with them. It’s actually the story Rock n’ Roll Mother Goose tells in this production; I took some of Jane’s Yolen’s ballad and composed an original song to it.
I’ve also been working on finding an iconic character I can hang all my clown work on. Again, I have my daughter to thank-  I was performing at a PTA showcase and met an amazing singer/songwriter named Brady Rymer. Brady gave me a couple of his albums, which quickly became a household favorite. One of his songs is called “Rock n’ Roll Mother Goose”. As soon as I heard it, I said, “that’s it!  that’s HER.”  She’s everything I’ve wanted my clown to be– a magnetic crone who loves bringing kids stories– but who’s also super cool, spunky, magical and unpredictable. His music has truly inspired this show.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Ockler: I do really like writing scripts. With this work, I had the amazing ‘Ballad of the Pirate Queens’ and ‘Rock n’ Roll Mother Goose’ to build off of. I think I’m a character-driven writer;  I heard the voice of the bumbling old crone Mother Goose first and built from there. If I can crack myself up with ideas, I write them down. Then I edit. But mostly not. I try all my dumb jokes out on my first few audiences and my director, and let them cut material for me. Kids are the best editors!
Review Fix: What makes you different from other playwrights?
Ockler: I guess since I’m the creator and performer of the show, it makes me somewhat unique. That and I write my pieces as a means to an end;  I wouldn’t label myself as a playwright per se– more like a renaissance woman, or a jill of all trades, mistress of some.
Review Fix: What makes this production special?
Ockler: It’s the only family show in the festival this year, so that’s pretty special- and an honor. I’ve also got an amazing technical direction team that’s making my prop dreams come true. The imagination storybook Rn’R MG uses is truly a one of a kind piece. It’s a character in itself.
Review Fix: How is your cast unique?
Ockler: Since it’s only me, I can say with certainty, by definition, the cast is unique. I also always use audience members in the show, so every performance will be different based on who’s playing the pirate queens that day.
Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself through this process?
Ockler: How far I can stretch the human limits of stress capacity and sleep needs.
Review Fix: How does it feel to be a part of this festival?
Ockler: It’s such a thrill and an honor to be trusted with being the only show geared specifically towards kids and families. It’s also a little scary to be finally putting this work out there after talking about it for such a long time.  MITF has been nothing but supportive of my work.  I’m very grateful for the opportunity to see if this goose can fly.
Review Fix: What are your goals for the production?
Ockler: Sold-out houses; laughing kids; Â people using the word ‘chimera’ more in their vernacular.
Review Fix: Who do you think will enjoy it the most?
Ockler: Well, of course, I hope the kids will love it;  it’s designed for them. But, in true Bugs Bunny fashion, I’m also hoping to catch the parents with some of my one-liners and references.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Ockler: A two-week vacation. I’m hoping to tour this show for the next year. Then I’d like to build another story. I’m really jazzed about an obscure Chinese folk tale called, ‘The Serpent Slayer’- about a young lady who saves her village from a girl eating dragon.
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