When the child you have faithfully served as an Imaginary Friend "unbelieves” you withoutwarning, you might be a bit upset. Lucky for these recently dumped IFs (Imaginary Friends), the mysterious anddashing Captain Popadapolus whisks them away to join her crew, sailing the seas and making mischief wherever
they land. However, it turns out monkey business is not all it's cracked up to be and great changes await for thewhole crew. With a story that is sure to appeal to young and old alike, All Hands on Deck, features slapstick comedy, rousing sea shanties, and soaring ballads.
For 16 seasons, Yes! And… Collaborative Arts (YACA) has produced an original musical as part of their Winter Sort of Thing (WSOT) musical theatre program with a group of young actors ages 10-18. Through the years YACA has presented magical stories and whimsical characters to audiences of all ages, bringing a professional musical
production to local audiences throughout Philadelphia.
All Hands on Deck was created in 2011-2012 in collaboration with a group of young performers in Yes! And…Collaborative Art’s arts programs. Premiering at YACA in 2012, All Hands on Deck was later performed in 2016 forYACA’s outdoor summer musical production series. The writing team for All Hands on Deck, Brooke Sexton and
Sarah C. Butts Manzo, have written over 10 musicals throughout the years at YACA, including The Greatest Snowon Earth, rated a “Best Bet for You and Your Kids” by the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Directing this year’s WSOT production is Philadelphia theatre-maker Mia Rocchio. She is joined on the creative staff by Music Director and arranger, Timothy Hill, producers Krista Thorp & Gavin Whitt, choreographer Cameron Bridgers and actors, Shannon Flannery, Sharese Salters, Anna Sweeny & Rafi Schneider.
All Hands on Deck runs 5 shows only, March 2, 3 & 4 at 7:00pm and March 4 & 5 at 1:00pm. All performances are held at the Venice Island Performing Arts Center in Manayunk, 7 Lock Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127. Tickets range
from $2 for ACCESS Card Holders to $17 for adults and can be purchased at www.yesandcamp.org/events. The show runs approximately 90 minutes and is appropriate for all ages.