Pictured above: Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor reads her book Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You to children living with type 1 diabetes in Kansas City
The Coterie Theatre in Kansas City recently presented the world premiere of Just Ask!, a new musical based on The New York Times best-selling book Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
The story, in both the musical and the book, celebrates children of all abilities working together to cultivate a garden, encouraging understanding and inclusivity. It is based on Sotomayor’s own experiences living with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Breakthrough T1D is a proud sponsor of the production, which uses multicultural music and joyful choreography to convey an inspiring message of acceptance while encouraging young people to “just ask” thoughtful questions when they encounter someone who may seem different from themselves. The musical features authentic representation, with actors who have real-life disabilities, including T1D.
“Breakthrough T1D is delighted to be a sponsor of the world premiere of Just Ask!,” said Sherri Lozano, executive director of Breakthrough T1D’s Kansas and Missouri Chapter. “It shines a light on the 1.6 million Americans who, like Justice Sotomayor, live with type 1 diabetes.”
Inspired by adversity
Justice Sotomayor was diagnosed with T1D at age seven and has been very open about living with the condition. She remembers how people used to look away or frown at her when she gave herself an insulin shot in a public place. That inspired her, in part, to write Just Ask!
“I wanted to write a book to explain that none of us have anything to be ashamed of,” she said. “We are who we are, and each of us brings to the world our own special talents.”
In addition to attending the opening night of Just Ask!, Justice Sotomayor also led a discussion and a special reading of her book for Breakthrough T1D children and families in Kansas City. She reminded them that people living with T1D are special.
“We bring more to the world than people who don’t have conditions. We have greater tenacity. We have greater strength. We have greater courage… We should be darn proud of ourselves,” she said.
A theatre that represents everyone
The Coterie Theatre is nationally recognized as one of the nation’s leading producers of new works of theatre for young people and families. Its one-of-a-kind programming gives young people from all walks of life a stage and a voice. Partnering with community organizations allows The Coterie to reflect and support Kansas City’s diversity.
“A community works best when partners do what they do well together,” said The Coterie Artistic Director Khalia Davis. “These specific partnerships help us give access to those who deserve to witness their authentic stories represented on our stage, as well as educate us on how to genuinely support them through that experience. We are thankful for these vibrant community partners who support our commitment that we are a theatre for everyone.”
