UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — This summer, Penn State Centre Stage in the College of Arts and Architecture is embracing the idea of connection to nature, community, and experiences with performances centered on human connection, imagination, and what we discover when we look up, and take notice of the world around us.
"Wild Child"
June 11-13, Penn State Downtown Theatre
The season starts with “Wild Child,” a developmental co-production with Penn State Musical Theatre in association with the Breathe Project. Directed by John Simpkins, the new musical explores themes of digital dependence, human connection, and the challenges facing young people in an increasingly virtual world.
The musical follows a young girl who escapes into a virtual reality world populated by imaginary friends, only to discover that genuine friendship and connection require engagement beyond the digital realm.
“New musicals are at the core of our training at Penn State Musical Theatre,” said Simpkins. "‘Wild Child’ is a perfect example of the kind of work we aspire to create and develop. It is a story that explores real issues facing young people, and we hope the show can investigate behavior, ignite conversation, and provide ideas to solve some of the challenges of the digital world that consumes our time.”
Simpkins added that the production also provides valuable learning opportunities for students.
“Giving our students a chance to work alongside the professional writers and creators — and begin to understand the complexity and process of creating new work — is an added training and artistic opportunity,” he said.
Zayna Darres, who portrays the character Roses, said the project resonates strongly with contemporary audiences.
“I have loved working on this project,” Darres said. “’Wild Child’ is such a beautiful portrayal of adolescence. It captures both the turmoil that young people can face and the sometimes-strained understanding from the adults who care for them. It is funny, wild — no pun intended — and heartbreaking.”
She noted that the story's themes feel especially timely.
“In this digital age, sometimes you can no longer tell if the videos you're watching are real or AI [artificial intelligence],” Darres said. “There is no better time than now to remind ourselves of the beauty of nature and what we have waiting for us outside our front door. ‘Wild Child’ captures the importance of understanding, rebuilding, and holding onto hope, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.”
Darres also praised the collaborative environment behind the production.
“Getting the opportunity to work on a show that is so unflinchingly honest and raw is rare,” she said. “We are incredibly lucky here at Penn State to have John Simpkins leading our program and directing, alongside the outstanding writing team of Dan Marshall and Julianne Wick Davis, and music director Noah Landis. The care they bring to this story is clear, and that passion carries itself beautifully in every detail throughout the entire show.”
Andre Lajevardi, who plays Tom, said the production balances imaginative storytelling with real-world issues.
“The thing I love most about ‘Wild Child’ is the balance between the fiction and non-fiction aspects of the show,” Lajevardi said.
According to Penn State Centre Stage Artistic Director Kikora Franklin, supporting new works that address contemporary issues remains central to the organization's mission.
“At Centre Stage, we are committed to supporting and producing new works that speak to our current moment,” Franklin said. “In an age of digital media and with the rise of AI in all aspects of our lives, it is important for artists — the students in our programs, the faculty who direct, advise, and teach, and the professionals with whom we collaborate — to strengthen the human element of theatre that makes our industry unique.”
Franklin emphasized that as artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly prominent part of daily life, the arts and design require and are made better with human creativity.
“While AI is a reality with which we must all contend, theater and the other arts will remain integral parts of maintaining our human connection,” Franklin said. “’Wild Child’ amplifies this message in multiple ways. We are excited for audiences to come and be in the theater.”
In addition to “Wild Child,” Centre Stage’s summer offerings include “Would I Lie to You?”, selected scenes from Shakespeare, June 24-28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arboretum at Penn State.
As summer unfolds, Penn State Centre Stage invites audiences to look up — to notice the stories, people, and possibilities around them, Franklin said.
“Through theater, we aim to offer audiences the opportunity to gather, share an experience, and connect in a meaningful way," Franklin said.
“Wild Child” runs June 11-13 in the Downtown Theatre; visit Penn State Centre Stage's website for more information and to purchase tickets. “Would I Lie to You?” performances are free.