Youth in Arts - The Paper Princess and the Piñata

In Februrary, Youth in Arts held our world premeire of "The paper Princess and the Piñata", a new musical theatre production, which is based on the book series by Bay Area author/illustrator Elisa Kleven. YIA Director Miko Lee adapted the books for the stage and directed the production.

Original bilingual songs composed by Youth in Arts Mentor Artist Miguel Martinez had the children clapping and singing along in both Spanish and English. The story followed the Paper Princess through a series of gentle adventures, with Elisa's artwork featured in onstage projections. Beautiful props and scenery also appeared onstage, recreated from Elisa's illustrations by Miko and YIA Artists in Schools director Suzanne Joyal.

The performance featured Nydia Algazzali Gonzalez as narrator and lead vocalist, with Jalena Keane Lee starring as the Paper Princess. Youth in Arts Mentor Artist Zenon Barron performed several featured dances, including a traditional "bird dance" and a Ballet Folklorico-inspired turn as an animated marionette puppet. Ollin Martinez and Ayame Keane Lee appeared as children who help to create the Princess out of shapes, colors and imagination.

Go to our website for more information about our programs and to find out how you can get the Paper Princess show at your school!

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Music
• theater
• dance
• art
• paper princess
• elisa kleevan
• nydia gonzalez
• miko lee
• youth in arts
• miguel martinez