Breakthrough T1D Honors Justice Sonia Sotomayor at the Premiere of 'Just Ask!' Musical in Kansas City
In a vibrant celebration at The Coterie Theater in Kansas City, the new musical "Just Ask!" made its world premiere on January 31, 2025, with special guest Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor leading the festivities. The musical is inspired by her best-selling children's book of the same name and aims to foster understanding and acceptance of Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Breakthrough T1D, previously known as JDRF, is the leading global organization focused on T1D research and advocacy, proudly supporting this touching initiative.
The opening weekend was particularly special as Justice Sotomayor led a heartfelt read-aloud event on February 1, encouraging families impacted by T1D. "Breakthrough T1D is thrilled to sponsor 'Just Ask!' at The Coterie Theater," expressed Sherri Lozano, the executive director of the Kansas-Missouri Chapter of Breakthrough T1D. "Thank you, Justice Sotomayor, for sharing your inspiring words and for shining a light on the experiences of the 1.6 million Americans who live with T1D."
The musical tells the story of children with diverse abilities collaborating to create a beautiful garden. Young Sonia, a new addition to the group, grapples with revealing her T1D condition to her new friends. Through its captivating narrative, "Just Ask!" emphasizes the importance of asking questions and embracing differences, celebrating uniqueness through music and choreography that resonates with young audiences.
Written and directed by Fran Sillau, with musical direction by Mark Kurtz and choreography by Courtney Stein Cairncross, the production promises to deliver a colorful and engaging experience. During the read-aloud event, Sillau, Kurtz, and renowned illustrator Rafael Lopez brought the book's themes to life, further accentuating the intertwined narratives of community support and understanding.
"Just Ask!" not only entertains but also educates, encouraging children to appreciate their own identities and the varied experiences of others. This joyful production is applauded not just for its entertainment value but for its significant role in raising awareness about Type 1 diabetes.
Supporting such artistic endeavors, Breakthrough T1D collaborates with partners including the National Endowment for the Arts, the Kansas City Neighborhood Tourism Development Fund, and Variety KC The Children's Charity to make such initiatives possible. The organization is dedicated to improving everyday life for those living with T1D while actively seeking a cure through research investment and advocacy to tackle challenges in the community.
Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition that has no cure, affects nearly 9 million people globally and does not discriminate by diet or lifestyle. It's crucial to understand that T1D can occur at any age, dispelling myths that it solely presents in children and adolescents. Consequently, the launch of "Just Ask!" is not just an entertainment milestone; it's a vital step in broader public health discourse, aiming to bridge understanding and foster inclusivity.
Breakthrough T1D continues to stand by the T1D community, striving for a future where no one feels alone in their journey with diabetes. With initiatives such as this musical, the organization hopes to promote both physical and emotional well-being, igniting conversations that matter. For more information about Breakthrough T1D, visit their website at www.breakthrought1d.org.
As this new chapter in storytelling unfolds through the arts, "Just Ask!" stands as a beacon of hope—to engage with questions, to embrace differences, and to ultimately cultivate a richer understanding of what it means to live with Type 1 diabetes.
The opening weekend was particularly special as Justice Sotomayor led a heartfelt read-aloud event on February 1, encouraging families impacted by T1D. "Breakthrough T1D is thrilled to sponsor 'Just Ask!' at The Coterie Theater," expressed Sherri Lozano, the executive director of the Kansas-Missouri Chapter of Breakthrough T1D. "Thank you, Justice Sotomayor, for sharing your inspiring words and for shining a light on the experiences of the 1.6 million Americans who live with T1D."
The musical tells the story of children with diverse abilities collaborating to create a beautiful garden. Young Sonia, a new addition to the group, grapples with revealing her T1D condition to her new friends. Through its captivating narrative, "Just Ask!" emphasizes the importance of asking questions and embracing differences, celebrating uniqueness through music and choreography that resonates with young audiences.
Written and directed by Fran Sillau, with musical direction by Mark Kurtz and choreography by Courtney Stein Cairncross, the production promises to deliver a colorful and engaging experience. During the read-aloud event, Sillau, Kurtz, and renowned illustrator Rafael Lopez brought the book's themes to life, further accentuating the intertwined narratives of community support and understanding.
"Just Ask!" not only entertains but also educates, encouraging children to appreciate their own identities and the varied experiences of others. This joyful production is applauded not just for its entertainment value but for its significant role in raising awareness about Type 1 diabetes.
Supporting such artistic endeavors, Breakthrough T1D collaborates with partners including the National Endowment for the Arts, the Kansas City Neighborhood Tourism Development Fund, and Variety KC The Children's Charity to make such initiatives possible. The organization is dedicated to improving everyday life for those living with T1D while actively seeking a cure through research investment and advocacy to tackle challenges in the community.
Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition that has no cure, affects nearly 9 million people globally and does not discriminate by diet or lifestyle. It's crucial to understand that T1D can occur at any age, dispelling myths that it solely presents in children and adolescents. Consequently, the launch of "Just Ask!" is not just an entertainment milestone; it's a vital step in broader public health discourse, aiming to bridge understanding and foster inclusivity.
Breakthrough T1D continues to stand by the T1D community, striving for a future where no one feels alone in their journey with diabetes. With initiatives such as this musical, the organization hopes to promote both physical and emotional well-being, igniting conversations that matter. For more information about Breakthrough T1D, visit their website at www.breakthrought1d.org.
As this new chapter in storytelling unfolds through the arts, "Just Ask!" stands as a beacon of hope—to engage with questions, to embrace differences, and to ultimately cultivate a richer understanding of what it means to live with Type 1 diabetes.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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