63 Bay Area Kids Take The Stage For Musical In San Mateo

SAN MATEO, CA — Dozens of Bay Area kids will trade their screens for costumes, choreography and live theater this fall when 63 young performers take the stage in San Mateo for the Bay Area premiere of “How to Train Your Dragon: The Musical Jr.”

The production, presented by Pied Piper Players, runs Oct. 23 through Nov. 1 at the Bayside Performing Arts Center.

The show also marks the 25th anniversary of Pied Piper Players, a San Mateo County nonprofit that has spent a quarter-century giving young people opportunities to perform and work behind the scenes in theater productions.

The 63 performers range from children to adults and come from communities including Burlingame, Daly City, Foster City, Hillsborough, Menlo Park, Millbrae and San Mateo.

The musical follows Hiccup, a young Viking who doesn't fit neatly into his community's traditions. After befriending a dragon he names Toothless, Hiccup begins questioning what he has been taught about dragons and finds the courage to see them differently.

The story explores friendship, courage and acceptance while bringing the DreamWorks animated story to the stage.

For Pied Piper Players co-founder and Artistic and Education Director Leslie Stupple, the production is also an opportunity for young people to build connections away from their screens.

“Whenever they walk into a rehearsal, they have to be truly present with one another and expand their minds,” Stupple said. “They find their tribe, collaborate, take risks, solve problems and become a part of something that’s bigger than themselves.”

That experience extends beyond the cast. Families and volunteers help build and paint sets, create props, sew costumes and handle other jobs needed to bring the production to life.

Since its founding in 2001, Pied Piper Players said it has provided theater education and performance opportunities to more than 1,200 young actors and welcomed tens of thousands of audience members to its productions.

Some former participants have gone on to pursue professional careers in acting, directing, choreography and theater.

Stupple said she was drawn to “How to Train Your Dragon” because of the story's emphasis on breaking down barriers.

“At its heart, it’s a fantastic story of two characters from warring clans who discover that what they have been taught about each other is a myth,” Stupple said. “Their personal connection breaks down barriers and creates the possibility for lasting peace.”

The performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 23, 7 p.m. Oct. 24, 2 p.m. Oct. 25, 7 p.m. Oct. 30, 2 p.m. Oct. 31 and 2 p.m. Nov. 1.

Tickets are $26 for adults and $23 for seniors and children under 18, plus a processing fee.

The show is open to all ages and runs approximately 80 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.

More information and tickets are available through Pied Piper Players.