How ‘Conan the Bacterium’ withstands extreme radiation
December 9, 2024
ImagineU, Northwestern's theater for young audiences, is kicking off a new season with an epic space adventure. “The Wong Kids in the Secret of the Space Chupacabra, Go!” follows siblings Violet and Bruce Wong, who don't fit in with other Earth kids — they have superpowers, but not very good ones. When an evil beast called the Space Chupacabra appears, intent on universal destruction, the Wong kids must travel to far reaches of outer space to stop it, if they can only stop bickering. Violet and Bruce ultimately realize that being different isn't just okay — it might be the most important thing ever.
During the play's run, approximately 800 third-graders from Evanston-Skokie School District 65 will go on a field trip to Northwestern's Wirtz Center. Born of a community-based partnership called LITTT, Learn, Imagine, Through the Theater, the program is now in its third year.
Before coming to campus, the students will be introduced to the play with a classroom video showing a behind-the-scenes look at the theater-making process guided by Northwestern Theatre alum and District 65 alum Nolan Robinson. While on campus, besides the play, the students will have lunch and a meet and greet with the actors.
Northwestern Now spoke with guest director Jamal Howard about the production and its underlying message that he says families and young minds need to see.
Paint a picture of what audiences will see in this show.
Audiences are going to experience a whole new world. “The Wong Kids” is an epic space tale, so we will be in outer space, and our costumes will bring these aliens to life. There's also a lot of play and joy in this show.
