In this episode of "Hub City Now with Tyrone Tony Reed Jr.", the host interviewed Mehr Mansuri and Eric Doizer, who spoke about the award-winning Children’s Theatre Company of New York, a non-profit 501c3 organization which has a social-justice imperative at its core. Committed to a theater making model that intentionally builds inclusive and empowered communities, the program cultivates an understanding of the personal, cultural and spiritual forces that shape society.

CTC’s musical experiences explore the theater’s power to impact diversity, to develop empathy and compassion for the human condition, and to allow us to learn from lives we’ve never lived.

CTC's mission is "Utilizing the power of theater as a tool for moral reasoning, the Children’s Theater Company is rooted in the belief that through the magic of theater youth can become the voices of positive change and agents of healing in their communities."

Mansuri and Doizer were in Jackson, Tennessee, during the week of March 6 through March 12, for a Jackson Theater Spring Break Camp at the Ned. Children in the camp performed at The Ned at the end of the week.

For more information, visit www.childrenstheatercompany.org.

In this episode of “Hub City Now with Tyrone Tony Reed Jr.,” the host spoke to Mehr Mansuri, Nancy Ewing and Sue St. Clair.

Mansuri, St. Clair and Ewing spoke about The Kids with a Cause: Children’s Theatre Company's full musical showcase featuring musical highlights of The Lorax (about trees and habitat) and Rescue Me: A Musical History of Women, will be presented by children and youth of Jackson at the NED Cultural Arts Center, Saturday, March 30th at 7 p.m., free charge; and a community service project at the ComeUnity Cafe Garden next door to the NED. Thr showcase is in celebration of Earth Day and Women’s History Month.

“Our goal is to showcase the children and youth of Jackson as the voices of positive change and agents of healing in their communities,” said Eric Dozier, Music Director/ Director of Equity & Outreach of Children’s Theatre Company.

In honor of Earth Day, the evening will feature highlights from Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax  adapted by Lory Lazarus and Frank Sanchez and directed by award-winning Jackson choreographer, Veronica Sesson. Also being celebrated is Women’s History Month with highlights of the hit show, Rescue Me: A Musical History of Women by Dorothy Marcic.

Rescue Me is a review of the lyrics and music of the Top 40 songs by women from the blues to disco.  Nadia Beard, the NED resident director and choreographer, will be directing. “While bringing generations together, children, parents and their grandparents will relish the music, tap their feet and dance in their seats,” said Nadia Beard.

“My heart has been touched by the mission and performances of this unique theater company featuring kids reciting some of the wisest words ever uttered that is all the more stirring when proclaimed by young voices. I urge everyone to come and take part and fill the house and your heart at the NED!” said Matt Marshall, President of United Way of West Tennessee.

We are so grateful to Mayor Conger and our national partners, including the National Endowment for the Arts, the Wayfarer Foundation, and the Baha’i Office of Education & Schools, and our amazing local partners, including, AKA Sorority, Keep Jackson Beautiful; the NAACP; United Way of West TN and the Society of African American Cultural Awareness – SAACA, Historic First Baptist Church,” said Mehr Mansuri, Executive Artistic Director.