The Complex Directors - Nichola Johnson and Julie Watt
Studio Manager - Sarah Andrews
Theatre Faculty - Emily Zornado, Madi Ruta, Corey Stanley
Student Teacher - Oliva Hassett-Mellen
Music Faculty - Emily Zornado, Madi Ruta, Austin Tewksbury, Rick O'Neal, Evan Delaney

WILD ISLAND CREW
Original Book, "My Father's Dragon" by Ruth Styles Gannett
Written and Directed by Emily Zornado
Music Direction by Emily Zornado and Madi Ruta
Choreography by Corey Stanley
Costumes by Emily Zornado, Corey Stanley and Madi Ruta
Special Thanks: Rebecca Patenaude, Lori Zornado, Grace Simon, Anna Raymond, Alex Plucenik 



WILD ISLAND DIRECTOR'S NOTE
 

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“What if we wrote our own musical?” 

We asked ourselves that question for the first time in 2015, and since then we have written an original musical for our students to perform almost every year. It is an enormous creative work, a unique experience for the cast, and a labor of love that I would not trade for anything. 

Wild Island is a completely original adaptation of Ruth Stiles Gannett’s My Father’s Dragon. Gannett’s book details the story of a young boy named Elmer Elevator who longs for adventure and ultimately rescues a dragon from a place called Wild Island.  Our version remains quite faithful to the original, but the music and characters have been shaped to suit the students performing it. The music has been composed specifically for them, and the script was written with their personalities in mind.  Getting to teach and work with these students throughout the year enables us to see the best parts of them, the most creative and intuitive parts of them, the parts that need challenging and the parts that inspire. The part of them that says “What if?”  

Every time we endeavor to create original work it is a labor of love, and this story has come to perfectly represent our Theatre students in my mind. They are adventurous, silly, exciting, hilarious, and powerful little heros in their own right. I am proud of what we’ve been able to do together, and what they are able to show you today. If I had one wish, I sincerely hope you leave the performance wondering “What If?”

Emily Zornado

Director of Theatre 

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THEATRE ETIQUETTE

A few tips, tricks, and requests to make everyone's experience a positive one!

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•Please do not photograph or video record this performance -

screens produce extra light and distract those around you.  

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•Please do not get up from your seat and move around the theatre during a scene or song.  Please try to remain seated for the entirety of the performance.  If you must get up, please do so during transitions/applause. 

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•Cast members may not leave early.

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•Please take all of your trash with you.  Please do not leave trash on the floor.

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•Please remember that your kids have worked so hard this year.  This performance is just a small moment on their journey, but still a huge milestone for them - especially those taking the stage for the very first time!  They can't get enough of your positive words and support!!

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