Tracy Rhodes makes hats. Of course, it’s because of the money they make by selling it. But so is the art they represent, the traditions they celebrate, and the communities they create.
But Orlando Family Stage doesn’t tell Tracy’s story. “Tiara Hat Parade” focuses on Tracy’s young daughter. And this play turned out to be more than just a hat.
Based on the children’s book by Kelly Sterling Lyons, “The Tiara Hat Parade” is a story about exactly what we teach our children. Mom’s Hat Business gives Tiara lessons in self-worth, history, dedication, and most importantly, how a little kindness can help in difficult times.
As Mom always says, “Everything will be fine. Just remember to be kind.”
The beauty of Paige Hernandez’s stage adaptation of the Lions story is that it introduces elements of African American culture beyond the importance of hats, such as food and church, without straying from the overall theme of self-empowerment and thoughtful living.
All of these ideas, by the way, fit neatly into the mission of Orlando Family Stage, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. In fact, “Tiara’s Hat Parade” was co-commissioned by a local nonprofit and a consortium of other U.S. theaters specializing in youth productions.
This is a great achievement that reflects the steady growth of the theater company. Today, Orlando Family Stage is Florida’s only specialty theater for young audiences and one of the top 10 in the nation focused on developing new productions.
That effort brought us the “Tiara Hat Parade.” In this movie, one actor plays all the roles: Tiara, her friends, her parents, the hat shop customers, and even the school bully.
Lydia Daniel is that actor, bringing a natural warmth and vibrancy to the stage. Following Ke’Lee Pernell’s direction and with assistance from Mandi Jo John-Szendrei, Daniel clearly portrays the characters in a variety of voices and postures. Her entire energy changes as she transforms from a peppy tiara wearer to a regal hat buyer.
She is also expected to sing in high-energy moments, lest we forget, and single-handedly hold the attention of a room full of schoolchildren for 75 minutes without a break. This is no small accomplishment.
Pioneering theater celebrates 100th anniversary with grand homecoming
Parnell, John-Sendley, and Daniel almost always succeed in this task. And of course they need help. Features include Ben Lowe’s action-tracking lighting, Rob Cyler’s dynamic visual direction, Anthony Ranfora’s musical accents and impactful sound effects, and Evonne Nicole’s costumes, including hats originally designed by Margaret Joyner.
It all takes place on one of the largest sets I’ve ever seen for a one-man show. Designed by Tramaine Berryhill, the three levels capture the family warmth of the tiara while putting Mom’s beautiful hat front and center and creating space for artistic magic.
The 75-minute run time demands a lot from a young audience, and there are certainly some loose sequences that will be tough for little theatergoers. For example, in one scene, adapter Hernandez goes off-plot to explain hat-making terminology. A little trimming, a few long, chatty stretches, and a little more interaction with the kids would help.
The students who participated in my performance enthusiastically answered Tiara’s questions and repeated their lines when asked, so I am confident in the success of the interactive moment. Let’s hope the kids who were excitedly reciting mom’s advice out loud took these words to heart: “Remember to be kind.”
Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. See more entertainment news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/entertainment or sign up to receive our weekly email entertainment newsletter.
“Tiara Hat Parade”
• Length: 75 minutes, no intermission
• Location: Orlando Family Stage, 1001 E. Princeton St., Orlando.
• When: Until February 22nd
• Price: $20 – $48
• Information: orlandofamilystage.org
