In her latest Arts and Culture Report, NY1's Stephanie Simon takes a look at the new musical "Election Selection," which aims to increase civic participation.
As we gear up for the election, Theater for the New City is presenting its newest street theater event "Election Selection Or You Bet!"
This free outdoor musical production is touring all five boroughs. It's written and directed by Crystal Field.
"No matter who gets elected they're going to have to listen to the people, and they're going to have to listen to us, and they're going to have to listen to you, the audience, and therefore we are asking you to get involved," said Field, the co-founder and artistic director of Theater for the New City.
Longtime Upper Westsider Field incorporates city history into the tale of thee New Yorkers on an ideological journey.
But it's family-friendly, and some of the action takes place in the mind of a child.
"And this child has a dream in which all these cartoon characters come to her aid: Dora the Explorer, Pikachu, Kung Fu Panda, and the Power Puff Girls," Field said. "And they're all fighting the monster of poverty, the monster of war, and the monster of global warming."
Field has been creating street theater since 1976 and in every production, she makes a cameo appearance.
"I play this irascible grandmother," Field said. "I have a very small part, but I do say 'Go get 'em. Nothing is going to change until you change it.'"
The musical score is composed and arranged by Joseph Vernon Banks.
"Election Selection" is touring the city's streets, parks, and playgrounds now through Sept. 18.