aka AN ALIEN IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
6M,6F. One-Act (30 min), After a mysterious asteroid lands in their town, a group of elementary school students suspect that one of their classmates might be an alien from outer space.Commissioned by the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta GA, 2017Published by Brooklyn Publishers, 2019"Combining humor and themes on immigration, AN ALIEN IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL is absolutely precious, hysterical, and so important. Guyton underscores what so many in the younger generation already understand - that hospitality and safe-haven are some of the things that truly make America great, whether the immigrants come from Australia, Sweden, or another solar system. A terrific play for a large cast of kids - and though this is a TYA piece, children and adults alike will get a lot from this smart, funny play." (Jordan Elizabeth Henry, New Play Exchange, 2018)
"An absolute delight from page one on. This is a perfect play for upper elementary - and it would be a delight to perform with some adults in the cast as well! Each kid has their own personality, Zella is absolutely precious and hilarious, the adult characters are silly and well-meaning, but beneath the surface of this incredibly sweet, lovable play is an important message that Guyton clearly believes strongly in. Why shouldn't we love and protect those who are different than us? Guyton has written this TYA play tenderly. It is funny and accessible, but also important. Highly recommended." (Emily Hageman, New Play Exchange, 2018)
"Having sat through MANY youth performance over the years... This was by far the cutest, quickest paced, beautifully produced and performed show I have experienced! The script was clever and witty, the direction was fabulous, and I can't believe how well timed the show was and how well the kids executed their parts... Even those who had NEVER done anything like this before!" (Rebecca Jones, Lionheart Theatre, 2018)
"We saw the afternoon performance today and it was excellent! As a retired teacher, mom, and grandmother, I've seen lots and lots of performances by children and youth. These young people are among the very best young performers I've ever seen! Their voices were authentic, their lines flowed like natural conversation, and each actor stayed in character throughout each scene. The casting, the sets, the acting, and the exceptionally well-done and age-appropriate script all came together beautifully for an outstanding performance." (Allison Cobb Gilmore, Main Street Theatre, 2023)
"This is a cute and funny play I had the pleasure of seeing recently. There are several good roles for kids with opportunities for them to show off their acting skills by adding bits of stage business. The kids onstage were having a great time, as were the kids in the audience. There was plenty of humor that entertained the adults as well no one was looking at their phones or watches. This would be an excellent choice for theatre camps." (Peter Dakutis, Merely Players Presents, 2023)
"I loved it! Such a well-written play... and the kids were fantastic! Just a big WOW all around!" (Linda Marie Johnson, Main Street Theatre, 2023)
"We loved your alien show! We laughed so much. Loved the Tupperware jokes and the immigration references. And, of course, the teacher stuff!" (Danon Dastague, Main Street Theatre, 2023)
"Great. Feel like a kid reading. Very funny, scary and fun. And makes the kid in me feel very smart." (Linda Kampley, New Play Exchange, 2020)Produced by Alliance Theatre's Junior Players Program in Atlanta, GA, 2017Produced by Lionheart Theatre in Norcross, GA, 2018Produced by Center Stage Children's Theatre in San Diego, CA, 2019Produced by Town Square Playhouse in Fayetteville, GA, 2019Produced by Woodhaven Middle School in Alberta, Canada, 2023Produced by Main Street Theatre in Tucker, GA, 2023Produced by SUNY Potsdam in Potsdam, NY, 2023Total Productions (so far): 7
