The Saturday Morning Live! At The National program is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and has delighted children for years with performances designed to engage and inspire the young mind. Virtual performances by nationally known educators and artists encourage children to look outside their communities and discover a world of wonder.

Premiering on Facebook January 16th, 2021.

The National Theatre, Washington, D.C.

First Female Director in the history of the Waa-Mu Organization. This year's production featured a new work written by dozens of creative creators, a fully digital rehearsal process with a strong artistic team, self-taped footage and vocals by talented actors, a fully orchestrated score created and performed by gifted artists, and a professional edit to launch a feature length film - the very first Waa-Muvie.

The [Remote] Making of a Musical tells the story of the 89th Annual Waa-Mu Show, State of The Art, at Northwestern University as it evolves into a digital rehearsal process and presentation during the global pandemic of 2020.

First Female Director in the history of the Waa-Mu Organization.

"And although director Amanda Tanguay was thrilled with the final performance, she celebrates something bigger. 'We banded together, supported the creation of new art, but also supported each other during a difficult period of time. Ultimately, it is very clear to me that the final performance is not the only thing that makes Waa-Mu special. It is the people involved.”
Ryan Cunningham, Broadway's Best Shows

“The most important thing is to find the honesty in the piece and make sure we are telling the story as genuinely as possible,” Tanguay said. “When you’re just a human making choices and learning and growing on stage, it’s easier for viewers to understand (and) see reflections of themselves in the characters.”
Jennifer Zhan, The Daily Northwestern

Tanguay, who is also friends with Holstein and Schmuckler, has long loved the musical. "I really hope this sparks dialogue about pride and vanity affecting leadership and how we can all learn to listen more and be compassionate toward each other," she says.
Cara Lockwood, Northwestern University School of Communication

Writers Alan Schmuckler and Dave Holstein with Amanda Tanguay
Photo by Justin Barbin

Tanguay said the show married her two favorite interests: history and musical theater. She noted the show feels “very timely and 2019,” adding that she finds musical theater and journalism alike because they both record current events for present and future audiences.

“It’s really important to show women accomplishing great things because it inspires younger generations to do the same,” Tanguay said. “It also inspires allies to highlight these achievements of women and support women in leadership roles.”
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Abigail Sutter, The Daily Northwestern

Shows like “Pinkalicious” have themes parents and youngsters can discuss and offers new perspectives on old issues, [Tanguay] said. “I think it’s a unique opportunity that only can come through live theater.”
Sheryl DeVore, Chicago Tribune

And unlike similar productions of “Pinkalicious,” this one will utilize various instruments throughout the musical. “The inclusion of the instruments has been one of the exciting challenges of the show,” explains Tanguay. “To have the chance to utilize a piano and other instruments to enhance the storytelling has been really exciting.”
Tricia Despres, Chicago Sun-Times

“This show is all about being a great leader,” Tanguay says. “And if you think about it, a room full of five- and six-year-olds — they are our future leaders. We want to bring children and parents to come together, so they can talk about things. It’s more than just entertainment. It’s a chance to learn.”
Playbill

...directed and choreographed with heart and tenderness by popular Chicago actress/dancer Amanda Tanguay, and musically directed by Ellen K. Morris, the story has been updated and slightly altered...This isn’t your typical theatre for young audiences production. The Marriott’s current offering explores far more serious themes and offers considerably less action and broad comedy. The musical is far more character-driven and, as such, may not hold the attention of some very young theatergoers. However, juvenile audiences, and their adult companions, who appreciate and understand a more thoughtful and reflective story will love this production.
Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review

This is a stunning production filled with memorable characters...As this production shares the stage with the main stage production of “Man Of LaMancha” there is no real set, but the smooth direction and solid cast take care of telling us the story in a way that every child (and adult) “gets it”!
Al Bresloff, Around The Town Chicago

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