Stars of the future to perform at Playhouse

Tom Titus

The Laguna Playhouse usually is dark on Mondays, but this coming

Monday, Aug. 5, will see the lights go up on the stars of the future.

The playhouse’s Summer Stars musical theater workshop is preparing

two public performances of Kids on Broadway -- at 4 and 7 p.m. -- so

that parents and friends can see and applaud what these youngsters

have been up to for the last month.

They’ll be treated to songs and scenes from “Peter Pan,” “The

Little Mermaid,” “Mary Poppins,” “Pinocchio,” “Snow White,” “The Lion

King” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Quite a lineup for a measly

five-buck tab.

“This is a group of very talented, mature and loving group of

young people,” declares choreographer April Madigan. “Their work is

full of energy and commitment. watching them learn and embrace new

skills is sheer joy -- their performance is full of wonderful music

and visual splendor.”

Besides performing, the kids also have made their own props and

masks to match their characters from many of the beloved musicals and

movies. Their development in just a few weeks is a particular treat

for Diane King Vann, the workshop’s musical director.

“The most exciting aspect of our workshop is to see the students

grow so much in such a short time,” Vann says. “On the first day,

they walk in shy and hesitant, and within a matter of a few weeks

they have gained confidence and strength in their new skills as young

performers.”

Talent is not the overriding aspect in their performances,

according to acting instructor Kathy Harris, who points out that

“These students have such enthusiasm for the work. They want more

songs, more scenes, more dances. These kids are like sponges and they

are hungry to do.”

The youngsters range in age from 9-year-olds Allison Rudolph and

Lindsay Wiley to 13-year-old Serina Pitchford. In between are Alesa

Bell, Kendall Bullock, Kellie Caro, Carley DeBeikes, Erin Eskew,

Jayne Gustafson, Kiersley Hollis, Mara Katz, Kendra Klinchuch,

Nicholas and Taylor La Barbera, Dana Leonard, Kellie McDonough,

Amanda and Danielle Rousso, Chandra Spencer and Chelsea Vann.

“You always hear complaints about how young people don’t want to

do anything,” Harris observes.

These kids, she says, have adopted the “Chorus Line” motto of “I

can do that.”

Parents, friends and just members of the general public who’d like

to see what the young people of Laguna and surrounding cities are

capable of can call the playhouse box office, (949) 497-2787 for

reservations and further information.

Acting teacher Harris promises they won’t be disappointed. “It’s a

very positive atmosphere and experience,” she notes.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Coastline Pilot.