Dani Girl
by Micheal Kooman & Christopher Dimond
Role: Dani | Director: David Snider | Company: Light in the Dark Theatre
Why is Cancer?
When Dani, a spunky, imaginative nine year old girl, is diagnosed with leukemia, she will stop at nothing to answer this question. Armed with her teddy bear, imaginary friend, and movie-obsessed hospital roommate, Dani embarks on a magical journey to reclaim what is rightfully hers – her hair. This hilarious and heartbreaking musical is a story of make-believing and believing, which might not be that different after all.
This was Light in the Dark’s first production. I played the role of Dani in this full length, four person musical written by Micheal Kooman and Christopher Dimond.
It was the perfect choice for Light in the Dark’s first production because, although cancer is not an easy topic, what this story focuses on is hope; it reminds us that in dark times, there is light and this light can shine even brighter in the darkest of places. As part of Light in the Dark theatre’s mandate, “ to inspire an infectious flicker that continues to spread even after the curtain goes down,” we raised funds for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. If people felt moved by this story, they could help spread the hope right there in the theatre lobby.
As Dani in this musical, I found the joy of playing in the rehearsal hall and how effective it can be to awaken impulses. David Snider, the director, established a since of play from the very beginning of rehearsals, and this allowed me to enter into a nine year old girl’s way of ‘doing’ before ‘thinking’. I had no fear of consequences in that rehearsal hall, just like a child. I just let my body lead me and some of my boldest and best work came out of this. In the past, I have gotten stuck worrying about what others think, but this fear completely squashes impulses and is hindering in a rehearsal space. Dave’s “yes and…” attitude kept the impulses in the room alive in everyone. It was so delightful to reconnect with the child inside me and remember just how freeing and fun it is to play and explore without fear. That’s why they call it a “play,” right? So why not play?
