Wayne State University’s Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance presents its annual Summer Children’s Theatre, featuring Thaddeus and ‘Tila  (A Crane and Frog Tale), winner of the 2004 Macy’s New Play Prize for Young Audiences. The production plays at the Hilberry Theatre at 10:30 a.m. June 18-20 and June 25-27, and at 2 p.m. June 20 and June 27.

Thaddeus is a frog who dreams of flying. One day, ‘Tila, a teenage crane with poor eyesight, crashes into Thaddeus’ pond and a friendship quickly blossoms. When they find out bulldozers are on the way to clear the swamp and make way for a housing subdivision, Thaddeus and ‘Tila must overcome the bullying of fellow swamp creatures, as well as their own personal obstacles, to save themselves and their fellow swamp residents. 

“My vision of the play is ‘Flying to a world of possibilities,’” says director Billicia Hines. “Even though he was bullied over it, Thaddeus held strong to his dream of flying. I hope the children of Detroit will be inspired to fly to their own world of possibilities. You may be surrounded by bad circumstances, but that should not deter you from staying positive and going after your dreams.”

Thaddeus and ‘Tila will also tour Detroit Public Schools throughout June, performing free shows for more than 5,000 students at 21 schools. This tour is part of an ongoing commitment to educational arts outreach by the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance. 

Tickets are $5 for children (up to age 12) and $8 for adults. They may be purchased by calling 313-577-2972, visiting wsushows.com or visiting the Wayne State University Box Office, located at 4743 Cass Avenue on the corner of Hancock Street.