By Eliza Rohda ‘26 

York University’s Theatre Department is excited to present this year’s Traveling Children’s Theatre production, The Fisherman and His Wife by Larry and Vivian Snipes. After a long season of performing for children in schools across Nebraska, the Children’s Theatre will be bringing their talents to YU’s campus on Saturday, April 11, at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday, April 18, at 7:00 p.m. 

 

The Fisherman and His Wife tells the story of a fisherman who catches an enchanted fish and uses up his wishes trying to bring happiness to his wife. Audience members have every opportunity to be part of the fun—children don’t just have to watch, they can help create the scenery and sound effects. As the fish grants increasingly ridiculous wishes, children can help create storms, become chickens and ducks in the fisherman’s farmyard, or act as servants in a castle. 

 

With just three actors, this is the smallest cast in the Traveling Children’s Theatre’s 29-year history. “We have had up to 13 in the cast,” Director John I. Baker III said, “but these three bring the impact of a cast of 13.” The cast includes Cheyenne Kiely as the Storyteller, Joseph Hobbs as the Fisherman and Abby Brooks as the Wife, with Alex Harwell as the Assistant Director. 

 

Kiely, a sophomore History major from Limon, Colorado, says this level of audience participation is a new experience for her. Despite the early hours sometimes required for traveling, “Seeing the joy in the children’s faces when they realize they get to come up on stage with us makes getting up at 6 a.m. worth it!” Kiely said. 

 

“Traveling Children's Theatre takes theatre to a lot of rural Nebraska schools that are looked over by other programs,” Baker said. “There is nothing more encouraging than witnessing a young student seeing their first live performance and watching their imaginations be encouraged.” 

 

No tickets are required.