By Town Crier Staff Report
The Bootstrap Foundation presents the world premier production of “Imaginal Disks,” running Friday through Sept. 16 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts’ SecondStage, 500 Castro St.
A girl on the edge of womanhood and her invisible dancing doppelgänger provoke questions about genetics, biotechnology and education in this new musical. This first-time collaboration between Bay Area playwright Sharmon J. Hilfinger and composer Joan McMillen traces transformations of caterpillar to butterfly, young girl to womanhood and thriving ecosphere to threatened habitat.
“Imaginal Disks” takes its title from a biological term describing the cells which trigger a caterpillar’s metamorphosis. The science behind this transformation captures the imagination of young Franny Turner, who usually prefers to daydream and dance with her imaginary friend Flutter-Bee. Her abysmal performance in school causes great consternation for her father Dave, who hopes Franny can pursue opportunities that her mother never had. Dave presents her with her mother’s cello, hoping to inspire his daughter. But for Franny, the cello brings anxious questions about her unknown mother that neither pragmatic Dave nor silent Flutter-Bee can answer.
She turns to Ms. Eddy, her science teacher, for concrete answers to life’s mysteries. As Franny learns more science from Jane Eddy, she begins to understand the nature of her father’s work for a major seed corporation. Now her questions about her heritage extend to concerns about our future.
The show is directed by Kristin Walter and stars Solange Hilfinger-Pardo, Illana Zauderer, Michael Temlin and Kelly Balch.
The opening night performance and reception is at 7:30 p.m., Friday; a preview performance is set for 7:30 p.m., Thursday. Evening shows are slated for 7:30 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays on Sept. 8, 13, 14. Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $22, $l2 for students and seniors 65 and over. Preview tickets are $12. The performance is not recommended for audiences under l0.
For tickets and more information, call 903-6000.
