The Emperor is putting on a free show for Salt Lake-area families, and may be on its way to a venue near you.
Salt Lake Children’s Theatre, which produces interactive plays for young audiences, is touring libraries and other spots around the Salt Lake Valley with its new production, “The Emperor’s New… Everything.”
The original script by Mindy Curtis loosely follows the Hans Christian Anderson folktale “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” In “New… Everything,” a fraudster convinces the Emperor, who is desperate to win the approval of the citizenry, that he has “visions” that will help the hearts of people in each village they visit.
Kids in the audience get to decide what those visions are, leading to moments of hilarious improv. “The real fun of it is that interaction with the kids,” said Zac Curtis, managing director for the company and the actor playing the Emperor. “The kids are coming on stage and giving suggestions and becoming part of the show.”
Zac said funny walks and eagerly shaking hands have been included in recent suggestions.
And while comedy is a major focus, there’s a lesson learned. According to the Salt Lake Children’s Theatre website, the Emperor’s adventure reveals “true leadership comes from wisdom, fairness, & care.”
Zac and Mindy Curtis, longtime theatre educators, cofounded Salt Lake Children’s Theatre in 2024. With no permanent location, Zac said the company tours libraries, community centers and other locations to bring free shows to youth and family audiences. He said the interactivity makes the company’s plays perfect for children who may not be able to sit quietly through a longer production in a dark theater.
After the Emperor’s tour ends in September, Zac said the company will launch a new series of acting workshops for children. He also said the company is currently developing its first interactive musical.
Upcoming performances
West Jordan Library
Monday, June 8 at 2 p.m.
Workshop at 3 p.m.
Regent Street Black Box Theatre, with Wasatch Theatre Co.
Friday, June 19 at 6 p.m.
SLC Library Sweet Branch
Saturday, June 20 at 11 a.m.
Workshop at 12 p.m.
Visit saltlakechildrenstheatre.org for a complete schedule.
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