Wiggle your way into latest new musical presented by ATI’s LabSeries

Actor’s Theatre of Indiana’s (ATI) Lab Series returns with Kannon Gets the Wiggles at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main St.

This show is by Gavin Thomas Drew and Chapman Shields, with music by Rolin Mains, lyrics by Drew and Mains. This show, sure to appeal to kids and grownups alike, is adapted from the book Sometimes I Get the Wiggles: Be a Seizure Hero by Andee Cooper.

Synopsis

Kannon is just like any other second grader. He loves his mom, his dog Murphy, and comic book superheroes. When Kannon has a seizure at his new school and is diagnosed with epilepsy, he has to find the courage to face this battle as Super Kannon and empower others to be epilepsy heroes as well. This touching and funny theatre-for-young-audiences piece teaches everyone that with friends, family and courage you can face any battle!

History

Cooper wrote the book based on the true story of her son, Kannon, who has a rare form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Shields has known the Cooper family for years and thought that the book would be a great piece of educational theatre.

Writing began in January 2022. A reading of the first draft was held at Oklahoma State University on April 27, 2022, and was attended by Cooper, who gave her blessing to continue development. The show will make its first full production debut in Shields’ and Cooper’s hometown of Bristow, Okla., in the summer of 2025, followed by a school tour to raise epilepsy awareness.

The Lab Series program is ATI’s way to show commitment to nurturing new plays and playwrights. Chosen plays enjoy a reading and a talk-back session with ATI audiences, staff, cast, and the playwright at the Carmel Clay Public Library.

The public reading event is free, but seats should be reserved at this link.