MNfusion: 2015 Ivey Award Winner Mikell Sapp Talks 'The Snowy Day'

While there may not be much on the ground, Minneapolis Children's Theatre Company is making it snow inside this winter.

CTC is presenting the world premiere stage adaptation of "The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats."

"The Snowy Day" follows a young boy, Peter, as he experiences his first snowfall. From the frosty feel to the bright white color, Peter spends his day playing in a winter wonderland before falling asleep peacefully at the end of his adventurous day.

Mikell Sapp, recipient of the 2015 Ivey award for Emerging Artist, stars as Peter. Sapp, along with the cast of Joy Dolo and Dean Holt, tell Peter's story as he experiences new things and explores the world around him.

Originally from Alabama, Sapp took some time to discuss his experience working at CTC and within the Twin Cities theater community.

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How very fitting you should be doing a play all about snow as you probably didn't get much of that in Alabama! But, aside from "The Snowy Day," the show shares a couple different stories. How does your character, Peter, relate to the other stories?

Sapp: The four stories that this production encompasses are the four stories of the main character of Peter. [It follows him as he grows up.] Ezra Jack Keats did a wonderful job capturing four moments in a child's life, from when they are a toddler to around age 10. [Keats shares moments] when children either discover something new or try something for the first time, like whistling or writing a letter.

How fun for the kids in the audience to see the protagonist experience new things along with them. I understand there are a number of puppets used in the show. What has the experience of working with puppets been like? What challenge does that provide to the show?

Sapp: Working with the puppets was difficult because true puppeteers work on moving one leg for seven years, [or] so I've been told. We had to pick this skill up in a month. Some of the challenges are that you have to be engaged in your character, speak through the puppet and all of us in the cast have to be on the same page so we can tell the best story.

I can see how that would be a challenging skill to learn in a month! Obviously, snow is a large part of "The Snowy Day" story. How is "snow" created/used on stage?
Sapp: We have such an amazing creative team that worked really hard on making all these stories come to life, but it's such a magical experience that I wouldn't want to spoil the moment for you. You just have to come and see.

I will! You've definitely sparked my curiosity. Tell me, aside from Peter's growth, is there a running theme found throughout all the different stories?

Sapp: For me, I would say, courage.

That's a great message to promote. So, of all the different stories told throughout the play, do you have a favorite? If not, what have you found to be your favorite part about doing this show?

Sapp: I really enjoy all the stories but I do like "Goggles" a lot. One of my favorite things about doing this play is that I get to be an African American lead boy in a children's book.

I think that is definitely a wonderful thing to portray. Being from Alabama, what made you decide to come to Minneapolis over other theater towns like Chicago or New York?

Sapp: Faye Price, James A. Williams and a great support system of friends and fellow artists in the Twin Cities were the main factors.

How is working at the CTC different from other theater houses in the Twin Cities?

Sapp: Well, every theater is different but the opportunity to do theatre for the kids and the staff at CTC [is what really sets it apart.]

Why do you think creating theater specifically for children is important?

Sapp: I feel it's important to give kids an opportunity to dream, to be engaged in something positive and [to learn about] another option of profession to choose from.

That's true! It's a great way to open the creative process up to children. Aside from just show choice, how does the Minneapolis Children's Theatre Company make theater accessible to kids?

Sapp: CTC has made it their mission to make their theatre accessible for every family, from what is on stage to creating a welcoming environment for all family makeups in the audience and attending classes at TAT to even staff training on sensitivity. In fact, inclusion is one of their key values. CTC is special in that way. It doesn't just end with what is on stage, but, in fact, is pervasive in the culture of the organization.

"The Snowy Day & Other Stories By Ezra Jack Keats" is open now and runs through March 20. Tickets cost $10 to $58. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the Children's Theatre Company online.