Anyone who works with the younger generation knows that most get a bad rap for the actions of a few. There are so many youngsters out there who get little notice for their talent and contributions to society. Examples are the arts, sports, school clubs, and other such collaborative activities. They are places where you usually find the best of the best.
Owen Smith is the producing-artistic director of Park Playhouse and the Playhouse Stage Company. He points out that being connected with the organization for 26 years, starting as a student to being its leader, has taught him “theater students don’t just make good artists, they make good citizens.”
This is one reason that the organization has developed the Playhouse Stage Academy Conservatory that teaches students all aspects of theater. With pride he points to the many students who have won scholarships to prestigious schools, found a career in the arts, participate in local non-professional productions, or just make supportive, knowledgeable audiences.
They have just closed “Pinkalicious: the Musical” at Cohoes Music Hall. Aimed at children 4-8, it’s about a young girl who is obsessed with the color pink and cannot stop eating pink cupcakes. Soon she actually turns pink and has to see a doctor. With his counsel and the support of family and friends she learns about making healthy choices in life.
He is not alone in his support for the value of training the future of theater. Almost every local arts organization has a youth component as part of their mission. There are also local companies like Saratoga Children’s Theatre that are dedicated to working with young people.
Over the next few weeks, the public will have an opportunity to appreciate the work of several student productions. It’s not only the talent of the performers and tech crews that is impressive. It is significant that the works address issues like kindness, bullying, heathy living habits and having compassion for others. This indicates there is hope for the future.
In Saratoga, Home Made Theatre’s Youth Conservatory is resenting “Mean Girls Jr.” It’s an abbreviated version of the hit Broadway musical, which was adapted from the popular Tina Fey film. The musical-comedy centers on a young white girl who was raised in Africa who returns to the states. She tries to adapt to the tribal-like customs found in most high schools. It’s an anti-bullying work that also speaks to the lure and the cost of fitting in at the cost of your own identity. It’s the kind of theater that is ideal for young people, on and off the stage. It plays at Saratoga City Center 7:30 p.m. Friday May 19 and 1 p.m. Saturday May 20.
In Troy, “Junie B. Jones: the Musical” is presented at Theater Institute at Sage. It uses college students to offer a look at the opening day of class for a first grader. The work is adapted from four books of Barbara Parks’ children’s series.
The musical is filled with comic moments as Junie B. has a really tough day. Her best friend Lucille doesn’t want to hang out with her anymore. She discovers she has a vision problem as it is difficult for her to read the blackboard. Then a kickball tournament goes wrong. But the day isn’t a total loss as she steps up to befriend a new student at the school; plus the Cafeteria Lady bakes delicious cookies
The seventy minute work is the kind of show where youngsters see themselves on stage and adults see life through a child’s eye. It plays at the Schacht Theater on the Troy campus of Russell Sage College at 10 a.m. May 17-19 and 23-26. Evening performances are at 7:30 May 19-20 and 2 p.m. May 20.
It’s not only theater that nurtures the creativity of youngsters. Empire State Youth Orchestra has the Chime Program (Creating Harmony Inspiring Musical Excellence) which cultivates young musicians to push the boundaries of creativity. Each year they invite an accomplished composer to work with the students to create an original piece. This year composer Adrian Gordon worked with the students through personal visits, supplemented by Zoom meetings.
This year’s theme is “Stop Violence, Show Kindness.” The completed work will be offered Friday May 19 at 5:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Schenectady High School.
One last word. Don’t judge the worth of a production by the age of its performers. You will be dazzled by the skill of these youngsters. Most can be considered Youth Theatre than can be enjoyed by adults.
Bob Goepfert is theater reviewer for the Troy Record.
The views expressed by commentators are solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the views of this station or its management.
