For area theater students, it's time for summer musicals
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Brevard enjoys its own six degrees of Kevin Bacon as high school theater students roll out their summer shows.
'Footloose' at Cocoa Village Playhouse
“Footloose,” the 1984 film that propelled the prolific Mr. Bacon to stardom, is adapted for the stage of Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse. The show runs June 24 to 26.
The stage production captures the vibrancy of the movie, as well as its music, including Deniece Williams’ “Let’s Hear it for the Boy” and Kenny Loggins’ title tune.
Chicago boy Ren arrives in small-town Bomont to find that music and dancing have been banned because of a tragic accident. That’s only the beginning, as the town becomes increasingly over-protective and begins banning books considered unsuitable for young people.
“One could see a lot of similarities between the world we live in today and the town of Bomont,” said co-director Sally Kalarovich. “It’s important to have musicals like 'Footloose' to help us forget the world for just a moment.”
The cast of 73 students, all part of the Playhouse STARS of Tomorrow Youth Program, represent a cross-section of schools in the county. Satellite High’s Cooper LaMontagne leads as Ren, the teen determined to show the town the healing power of music. Fellow Scorp Elijah Hillman plays Reverend Moore, the grieving father responsible for the ban.
Ren’s love interest and Rev. Moore’s daughter, Ariel, is brought to life by Covenant Christian student Mallory Jeancake. Top roles also go to Rockledge High’s Macy Urso as Rusty and Merritt Island High’s Shane Withrow as Chuck. The cast is rounded out by Karly Dribble as Urleen and Savannah Ervin as Wendy Jo, both from Viera High. Rockledge High's Erik Narvaez and Viera High’s Anderson Law provide comic relief as Willard and Cowboy Bob.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, with tickets ranging from $15 to $20. Visit cocoavillageplayhouse.com or call 321-636-5050.
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'Urinetown' at Henegar Center
Cutting loose with “Footloose” is just the beginning of the offerings for a youth theater-rich weekend. At the Henegar Center, “Urinetown” is a special production of the Feller Academy June 24 to 26.
“Feller teaches valuable insight to all students, including skills for public speaking, auditioning, performance on stage and overall self-awareness,” said executive and artistic director Dominic Del Brocco.
Like “Footloose,” “Urinetown” provides a hero who rattles the chains of government. The story revolves around a water shortage caused by a 20-year drought that led the government to ban private toilets. To answer the call of nature, citizens must use public amenities regulated by a malevolent monopoly that charges admission.
Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 to $20, available at henegarcenter.com or by calling 321-723-8698.
'Sister Act' at Titusville High and 'Peter Pan' at Eau Gallie High
Every year, Brevard Public Schools, in partnership with the Phoenix Foundation Morning Glow, hosts a fine arts theatre workshop that culminates in two productions in state-of-the-art auditoriums at opposite ends of the county. At Titusville High School is “Sister Act,” while Eau Gallie High School this year will host “Peter Pan.” Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, June 30 and July 1, and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 2.
“Sister Act,” based on the 1992 hit film, features original music by Tony-and-Oscar winner Alan Menken. The uplifting story of disco diva Deloris Van Cartier’s adventures while in protective custody in a convent was nominated for five Tony Awards.
Based on J.M. Barrie's classic tale and featuring an unforgettable score, “Peter Pan” is one of the most beloved and frequently performed family favorites of all time. This high-flying Tony Award-winning musical has been performed around the world and has delighted audiences for 60 years.
Payton Collins, a senior at Satellite High, plays the boy who refused to grow up.
“This show was always one of my favorites as a kid, and I’m so excited to get to fulfill my childhood dream of getting to fly!” said Payton. “This has been such a magical experience that I’ll never forget!"
Music for both productions is provided by a pit orchestra of Brevard’s young musicians.
"The best part is giving students the opportunity to put on the level of production most high school students just don't get to do,” said Amanda Manis, director of “Peter Pan.”“Working with so many talented students and professionals to put on a musical in just four weeks is the real challenge and joy.”
Tickets range from $10 to $12 and can be purchased at BrevardSummer.Seatyourself.biz.
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