Remember when you were 6 years old when waking up with gum in your hair and going to the dentist were two of the worst things in the world?
If revisiting those simpler times sounds like fun, go see Columbia Children's Theatre's production "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day."
"Alexander," based on the Judith Viorst picture book of the same name, follows the title character over the course of one day during which he wakes up with gum in his hair, his mom forgets to pack dessert in his lunch box, he has a cavity at the dentist and he is forced to buy plain white sneakers because the store doesn't have the blue ones with red stripes in his size.
The show's book and lyrics were written by Viorst, and the music was written by Shelly Markham. Musical numbers include "If I Were in Charge of the World" and "The Sweetest of Nights and the Finest of Days."
Third-year music education student Paul Lindley II plays Alexander. Lindley read the book as a child and suggests that USC students check out the show.
"Students should come see the show if they were fans of the book as a kid," Lindley said. "The show follows the book very well, and all of my asides are taken directly from the book."
Lindley's favorite scene in the show is the finale.
"I get a chance to really play off my 'mother' and the other characters throughout the scene and closing song. It also is a very sweet moment that is an excellent conclusion to an otherwise pretty cruddy day," Lindley said.
"Alexander" is Lindley's first show with Columbia Children's Theatre, but he has been making music since he entered his first singing competition as a second grader. Lindley is a member of the USC Concert Choir, an active participant in the student-run musical theater club Off-Off Broadway and a part of the drama team at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry.
Third-year theatre student William Woody plays Alexander's brother Nick and classmate Albert in the production. Woody has enjoyed the opportunity to make children laugh while acting in the show.
"Any given performance now, I get a kick out of making little tweaks to lines or actions here and there in hopes of getting more laughs," Woody said.
In addition to theater, Woody has been doing stand-up comedy for about three years.
Fourth-year music student Sara Jackson is also making her Columbia Children's Theatre debut in "Alexander." Jackson plays Alexander's older brother Anthony and classmate Becky.
Jackson heard about the auditions through Lindley.
"I immediately wanted to audition because I love children's theater," Jackson said.
Jackson thinks USC students should show their support of the arts in Columbia.
"USC students should come out and support their fellow students in keeping the arts alive in our state. Also, the show has elements that both children and adults can enjoy," Jackson said.
"Alexander" runs Sept. 23–25 with performances at 7 p.m. on Friday; 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday; and 3 p.m. on Sunday. All performances are held at the Columbia Children's Theatre located inside the Richland Mall on Forest Drive. Tickets are $8.
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