This First of its Kind Show, Eddie & Vinnie, at Magik Theatre Is Aimed at Demystifying Dyslexia in Time for Dyslexia Awareness Month
This first of its kind show Eddie & Vinnie World Premiere Puts Magik Theatre in National Spotlight!
A boy, a girl…and a gecko? No, it’s not a fairytale. It’s the story of Eddie & Vinnie, a heartwarming tale of a young boy who desperately wants to raise his grades to avoid attending summer school. The problem is that unless Eddie, who struggles with dyslexia, gets his grades up, his dreams of fun in the sun may be heading for a wipeout.
Commissioned by Celebrate Dyslexia Founder and Executive Director Jasmin Dean, and written by playwright Jenny Millinger, Associate Artistic Director at Childsplay Arizona, this first-of-its-kind show makes its world premiere at Magik Theatre from October 15-28 during National Dyslexia Awareness Month. Opening night will be a fun-filled celebration filled with crafts, interactive experiences and a VIP reception to delight both the young and the young at heart. Special Touring shows will take place from Sept 26-Oct 9, Nov 1-18, and March 27-May 21, 2023, taking Eddie & Vinnie’s message to the masses as far as they are summoned. Educators can enjoy a unique Dyslexia 101 Workshop with Jasmin Dean on October 22 to help understand the challenges dyslexic students face and empower themselves with tools to support those student’s unique learning needs.
Part of what makes this production so special is that it appeals to a wide age range, providing a unique glimpse into the dyslexic brain to lessen the stigma and foster awareness, understanding, and acceptance for not only the children diagnosed with this neurobiological difference, but their families, teachers, coaches, and the community at large as well. It is part of Magik’s new “Meaningful Messaging” programming that is designed to shine a light on the social issues children and their families face today.
“What a profound opportunity to celebrate, educate, and empower the 1 in 5 children with dyslexia with such an incredible partner and team at the Magik Theatre,” says Dean, who credits the impact of Magik Theatre productions with helping her dyslexic son have access to literature by making words “jump off the page.” “They provide a safe space where every stakeholder can explore their unique positions to move this conversation forward into the earliest identification and interventions possible.” Through this play, Jenny Millinger honors the strength and struggle of the dyslexic learner.” For her part, Millinger says she was “immediately taken,” by the project. “Every child’s brain works in unique and beautiful ways,” she says. “I have met and been awed by many young people who are navigating the world with dyslexia, and I look forward to sharing a story that celebrates their creativity, adaptability, persistence, and courage.”
DEMYSTIFYING DYSLEXIA WITH MAGIK
With up to 20% of the population experiencing dyslexia, it’s surprising that so many misconceptions continue to exist. Dyslexia is not an intellectual deficit. In fact, some of the world’s most innovative, creative and brilliant minds are dyslexic. Early identification and intervention are paramount to leveling the playing field for dyslexic learners so they can stay on track to read at grade level. Raising awareness within the community through creative, engaging performances such as Eddie and Vinnie is just the type of initiative to facilitate conversation in the family and enact change within the community. It’s an undertaking that has caught the attention of many notable champions.
Eddie & Vinnie is made possible through the support of grants from Texas Cultural Trust, Texas Commission on the Arts, the Betty Stieren Kelso Foundation, and is sponsored by the H-E-B Read 3 initiative. The production also marks the second time in its 27-year-history that Magik Theatre has received grant funding through the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
As Magik Theatre’s Artistic Director, Anthony Runfola, notes, “The creation of new plays for young audiences is essential in our rapidly changing world. We are humbled that the NEA has chosen to fund this project, which we hope will help to destigmatize dyslexia and let young people know they are not alone in their struggles. We are fortunate to be partnering with Celebrate Dyslexia on this project, which will give us access to their experts and resources to ensure that we are representing life with dyslexia in an authentic way. Playwright Jenny Millinger is creating a play that is sure to challenge and inspire those with and without dyslexia.”
Magik Theatre is committed to educating through entertainment—and no child or family is ever left out. “Magik Theatre is here to make theatre accessible to every family and take away any barrier that exists,” says Villani. In keeping with that commitment, the 2022-23 season boasts some upgrades to include the following special performances below.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
American Sign Language Interpreted Performance
Saturday, October 22 at 5:00 p.m.
Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary sign language interpreter, will be available during this performance for patrons that require ASL as their primary form of communication.
Sensory-Friendly Performance
Tuesday, October 25 at 10:30 a.m.
Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming environment for people who are on the autism spectrum or may have sensory sensitivities. The integrity of the performance remains the same, while production elements are modified to accommodate individuals with sensory needs allowing families and friends of those with autism or other disabilities the opportunity to enjoy an authentic performance experience together.
Pay What You Wish Performances
Friday, October 28 at 5:00 p.m.
Magik’s way of giving back to the community and providing an opportunity for families to experience live theatre with a donation of any amount.
Mask Required Performances
Saturday, October 22 at 2:00 PM
If you would like to attend a mask-required performance, this option is for you! We have adopted a model that allows us to go above and beyond standard schedules. It also provides you with peace of mind knowing that all of our performers and staff continue to follow strict health and safety protocols including the option to select your experience while in the theatre.
To view Health & Safety Protocols, visit https://www.magiktheatre.org/covid-19-updates/
TICKET TO THE SHOW
2022-23 Season Subscriptions and Flex Passes are on sale now, priced at $48, $60, $75 and $87. Single Tickets are $18.50 for children (ages 2-17), Military, Seniors, and Educators | $22.50 for adults | Children under 2 years old are free. Season Subscriptions, Flex Passes and Single Tickets available at: https://www.magiktheatre.org/eddie-and-vinnie/ or by calling (210) 227-2751. You can also purchase at the box office, 420 S. Alamo, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. If a child under 2 uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general-admission ticket. Group rates are offered to parties of ten or more people. For questions and further inquiries contact info@magiktheatre.org.
