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.
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