HELLERTOWN, Pa. (WLVT) — Lehigh Valley native Ben Johnson is starring in the world’s first children’s musical to air on Zoom.
It's based on the children’s book, “Jean and the Wonderful Idea Machine” by Jean August. The story is about a young girl who invents a machine that changes worried thoughts into wonderful ideas.
"This all started for me when I saw a post in a Facebook group asking for people to audition," Ben Johnson, a native of Hellertown, Pa., told PBS39. "I thought, well, we’re in quarantine and it sounds interesting!"
The musical will help raise funds to support at-risk kids who don’t have computer access for distance learning during Covid-19.
"Eighty percent of the profits from every ticket sale go to DonorsChoose.org, which helps fund schools in need to help kids get tablets for children in need," said Johnson. "Statistics tell us that 11 million students in the U.S. are underfunded and they don’t have access to the tablets and computers that would facilitate learning."
Johnson, 20, studies vocal performance and musical theater at the State University of New York at Potsdam. He plays the role of Jean’s father.
"My character along with Jean’s mother kind of drive Jean to feel like she needs to create this machine," he explained. "The story follows Jean as she creates the machine, which essentially helps people generate ideas to fix their lives. For instance, her science teacher uses the machine to build a car powered by air. So, the machine helps to solve global problems."
He says the story is meant to empower children.
"The story emphasizes that kids can do anything that they set their minds to! Right now, we need a lot of great and inspired ideas to help the world," said Johnson.
Johnson has been acting and singing since he was in grade school — and encourages young people to get involved in the performing arts.
"It helps your mind develop in many different ways, and you meet so many great people," he said. "It helps you learn about yourself and to be more accepting of other people."
Now a college junior, Johnson says he’s already learned some valuable lessons from life on the stage.
"One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that I need to put value into my self worth, and not rely on other people to feel worthy. I put out quality work, and I feel good about that," he said.
The musical runs 50 minutes in length and tickets are $20. The pre-taped show airs on Zoom on Sept. 19-20 and 26-27 at 4 p.m. EDT. Click here for ticket information.
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