On Saturday, November 13, 2021, 23 Skidoo presents The Secret Agency wowed the center’s audience with a program of whimsical, upbeat, and funky hip-hop selections, touching on themes from love and fear, to pillow fights and pillow forts.
By partnering with the New Prairie United School Corporation out of New Carlisle, Indiana, after a year of COVID-19 restrictions and field trips canceled, elementary students finally had the opportunity to step off school grounds and participate in a fun new learning experience. New Prairie had been trying to set up a visit to the center for several years, and their long-awaited field trip on Saturday certainly did not disappoint.
“If we can enhance [students’] experience in the arts in any way, that’s what we’d like to do.”
Sean Martin, Associate Director of Programming and Engagement
When Secret Agent 23 Skidoo and the Secret Agency stepped onstage, the kids were already up and out of their seats. The group’s collection of purple tuxedos and ties was truly a sight to behold, and the energy they brought to the stage was just as magnificent. The audience was enthralled, dancing to songs so catchy and fun that even the “grumpy grown-ups” couldn’t resist the urge to bust a move.
Among the silliest songs about Halloween and imaginary friends were powerful messages about overcoming fear and being true to oneself. During the performance, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo exclaimed, “As strong as fear feels, there’s one thing stronger than fear, and that’s love! Love is beautiful, and love is how we make nightmares disappear.” As the group sang about overcoming the scariest of nightmares, parents held their children close and swayed along to the music. Nobody in the audience could ignore the love present.
After the show, New Prairie students were invited to stay for a Q&A session. Some students asked the artists about their pets and imaginary friends, while others were awed by the group’s ability to memorize so many lines. When one inquisitive student asked how they came up with the show, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo told a story about his daughter. He said that when she turned five, he realized her world was still magic but that she now had the words to describe that magic. He wanted to make a show that captured this phenomenon and Secret Agent 23 Skidoo was born.
Before leaving, New Prairie students were taken on a brief campus tour, stopping at the Duncan Student Center for lunch. Following the performance and Q&A, I chatted with Sean Martin, Associate Director of Programming and Engagement, and he explained the privilege of partnering with local schools. Martin said, “If we can enhance [students’] experience in the arts in any way, that’s what we’d like to do.” To be sure, audience members had an enhanced experience thanks to the lively performance by Secret Agent 23 Skidoo and the Secret Agency.
