Youth will be served at two local theaters

Tom Titus

In mid-August, most local theater groups are on hiatus, preparing

for their new seasons commencing in the fall. Which means the kids

have the stages all to themselves.

Two local theaters are giving their younger performers a shot at

the spotlight next weekend as Costa Mesa’s Trilogy Playhouse opens “A

Little Princess” and the newer Newport Beach Theatre Company revives

perhaps the most popular children’s classic of all time, “The Wizard

of Oz.”

Everyone from age 2 to 102 undoubtedly is familiar with “Wizard”

(my two kids performed in two productions each when they were

younger). But “Princess” is a different tale entirely. It’s the story

of a privileged young lady named Sara Crewe who must adapt to a

shattering change in her life in this dramatization of the novel by

Frances Hogdson Burnett, author of “The Secret Garden,” which the

Trilogy staged a few seasons ago.

From one of the chosen few at Miss Minchin’s Select Seminary, Sara

undergoes a wrenching change in her life when her father’s death

thrusts her into the life of a penniless orphan. The heartless Miss

Minchin decides to keep Sara at the seminary, but turns her into a

“half-starved little drudge,” required to wait on the other girls and

live in a rat-infested attic until a mysterious benefactor begins

sending her food, clothes and furnishings for her room.

“A Little Princess” is described as “a heartwarming drama for

families.” Andrea Adnoff and Alexa Wildish will share the title role,

with Leslie Williams cast as the rigid disciplinarian Miss Minchin.

The production, directed by Alicia Butler, opens Aug. 23 and plays

weekends through Sept. 8. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and

Saturday (tickets $15), and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees

(tickets $13). The show is recommended for ages 6 and older. The

Trilogy Playhouse is at 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, at the rear of

the Lab/Anti-mall. Call (714) 957-3347, Ext. 1, for more information.

The yellow brick road leads to Lincoln School in Corona del Mar,

where the Newport Beach Theatre Company will present “The Wizard of

Oz,” also opening Aug. 23 and playing through Sept. 8. The memorable

characters of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion,

the Wicked Witch of the West and the Wizard himself will live again

in the company’s juvenile incarnations.

“This show will be unique because we have chosen to use a young

creative team that will bring fresh ideas to a show that is loved by

all,” says company President Linda Safran.

Ryan Mekenian is the show’s artistic director, with Susie Jenkins

choreographing and Monica VanderWyde serving as vocal director.

Newport Beach Theatre Company offers talented young people an

exposure to all facets of live performing arts -- including acting,

singing, dancing, directing, musical accompaniment, set design and

construction, lighting, sound and stage management.

This latest version of the L. Frank Baum classic will be presented

at Lincoln School, 3101 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar, with

curtain at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays through

Sept. 8. Tickets are $15 for reserved seats and $10 for general

admission. Call (949) 759-1046 for additional information.

* TOM TITUS writes about and reviews local theater for the Daily

Pilot. His stories appear Thursdays and Saturdays.