Cutting Edge Theatre Company debuts by following the rules of childhood

All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten… an incredibly long name for a show with sweet simplicity.

Back to the basics
Originally a collection of short essays by minister and author Robert Fulghum, these stories reflect on how the world would be better if adults followed the basic rules that children are taught: rules like sharing, being kind, and working while still allowing time for play.

After the success of his book, Fulghum worked with director, Ernie Zulia, and composer/music director, David Caldwell, to bring his book to life, and “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” opened in 1992 at Virginia’s Mill Mountain Theatre.

A new perspective
The format of the play is unique. Rather than following the traditional linear format, this show is more like a revue with various dialogues, monologues, and scenes interwoven with a piano underscore throughout. According to director Stephanie L. Dennehy, “All the stories are about human nature and our reactions to situations we are placed in.”

Like the fresh perspective of this play, Cutting Edge Theatre Company hopes to bring a fresh perspective on theater to the Toledo area.

Having just opened this past year, CETC plans to bring high-level, semi-professional theater to Toledo, but also to help educate the community in theater. CETC offers adult and teen acting classes, as well as private lessons.

First show
Instead of presenting “All I Really Need to Know”… as a musical Dennehy decided to broaden its appeal. “As Cutting Edge has done various musical performances [galas and evenings of songs] I opted to do the play adaptation to show that we are interested in a variety of theater, not just musical,” she said. She still plans to incorporate some music by using one actor to play both the narrator and, for musical interludes, a pianist.

The first show for a theater company is quite a monumental moment. “We were looking for something that had a lot of heart and gave us an opportunity to show a wider scope of ability,” Dennehy explained, adding that the smaller cast size and the incredible characters help to make this “the perfect first show.”

This production is sure to get audiences thinking. “Even though life can be filled with difficulties, sometimes the answers are very simple, we just overlook them,” Dennehy added. “I hope the audiences laugh, maybe shed a tear, and [walk] away thinking it was a great way to spend an evening.”

8pm Friday, February 26 & Saturday, February 27; 2:30pm Sunday, February 28. $12-$15.
​Nederhouser Community Hall at Olander Park, 6930 Sylvania Ave. 419-494-4814. cuttingedgetheatre.org

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