Renton teen Bolden leads Langston Hughes Center’s atypical telling of ‘Snow White’

Jordon Bolden of Renton is the prince in a retelling of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” But he’s not a typical prince. And the production — the Youth Summer Musical at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center — is not the typical “Snow White.”

August 12, 2008 9:00 am
Fifteen Renton youth are in “Snow White & The 7: Each One Teach One
Fifteen Renton youth are in “Snow White & The 7: Each One Teach One

Jordon Bolden of Renton is the prince in a retelling of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” But he’s not a typical prince. And the production — the Youth Summer Musical at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center — is not the typical “Snow White.”

In “Snow White and the 7; Each One Teach One,” Snow White is a 14-year-old on a journey to find her African roots. The prince is not a prince but a wise leader to “The 7,” who are not dwarfs, but the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

“I do love the role,” says Bolden, 14. “It’s not something that’s stereotypical, and I have to find out myself who he is and make up the character as it goes.”

This is Bolden’s fourth Langston Hughes musical. The Summer Musical Program requires auditions and lasts eight weeks.

Bolden has performed so much he has lost count. He has performed as a solo singer in Renton and Seattle. He’s also played roles at his former Nelsen Middle School and at larger venues like The Paramount Theatre in Seattle.

Bolden is a rising freshman at Seattle Academy. After high school, he wants to study musical theater at The Juilliard School, a performing arts conservatory in New York City. He wants to become a Broadway actor.

Bolden’s sister, Tayla, 10, also plays a part in “Snow White and the 7.” And although their older sister, Celeste, 18, isn’t joining her siblings this year, she has played roles in previous Langston Hughes productions. About 15 Renton youth are in this summer’s musical.

“Snow White and the 7; Each One Teach One” was written and directed by Isiah Anderson, Jr., teen development leader and director of Youth Productions at Langston Hughes. The production’s music is an original mix of traditional African genres, R & B, hip hop, jazz and gospel.

‘Snow White and the 7’

“Snow White and the 7; Each One Teach One” is Aug. 14 and 15 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 17 at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $4 to $12. Tickets are available through The Moore Theatre Box Office at www.themoore.com or by calling 206-292-ARTS. For group tickets, call Naho Shioya; 206-386-1177. The Moore is at 1932 Second Ave. in Seattle.