Monster Cafe: The Musical Written By EPSY Professor

Depression, anger, bullying, not fitting in. Adolescents around the world deal with these problems on a daily basis. Monster Café – The Musical helps show teens they can survive the struggles with the love and support of their friends.

Monster Café – The Musical is the brainchild of Dr. William Rae, professor of school psychology at Texas A&M University. Having always had an interest in musical theater, Dr. Rae took his knowledge of psychology and adolescent issues to develop the lighthearted production.

Dr. Rae collaborated with Marjie Rynearson, co-author of the musical and Ed Rynearson who helped develop the music and lyrics.

Monster Café – The Musical follows relatives of famous monsters including the grandson of Dracula, the grandson of Frankenstein and the grandson of a werewolf. One has no confidence, one is prone to anger and one is sad about not being in a relationship.

“If you show me a teenager, I’ll show you someone who is depressed, someone who gets angry and can’t deal with their anger, someone who does not feel like they are appreciated. All of the characters feel like they are different just like a typical teenager,” explained Dr. Rae.

They team up to open a restaurant but when each of their “inner monsters” comes out, the restaurant suffers. Struggle after struggle, the friendships also suffer until a bullying wizard helps show that support from your friends can heal all wounds.

”It gives a positive message. These are normal issues adolescents face every day and the musical is kind of like positive psychology,” Dr. Rae added.

Monster Café – The Musical will be performed by the Brazos Valley Troupe as part of the Bully Project August 11-14, 2016. You can purchase tickets by visiting www.tx.ag/monstercafe.