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In what feels like a long time ago in a galaxy far away, I was in my first musical. It was seventh grade, and we presented "Oliver!" on stage at school. It was a magical experience that I remember to this day! Some students made the scenery and props, and some helped with costumes, hair, and makeup. We even had prompters in the wings in case we forgot our lines. We learned about moving on stage, singing in unison, harmony, and counterpoint, and most of all, responsibility to the group so the show would be successful.
Theatre was my home from that day through the end of my high school career. There are so many musicals and even plays (the junior class at my high school presented one each year) that I had the privilege of participating in and watching.
We were a community. Many of us didn't fit in anywhere else, but we could step into a character's skin and walk in their shoes. We used critical thinking skills to develop our characters within the story. It taught me a lot about relationships, building positive ones, and helped shape the person I am today. It gave me friendships that survive to this day. Most of all, it provided memories I can enjoy for a lifetime. I think all young people who have an interest in the performing arts should have an opportunity to explore it!
Fast forward a few decades and a move to this area, and I found community theatre alive and well in Presque Isle County! It didn't take long to audition for my first musical, and after a year or so, I was asked if I would be willing to work with the fledgling summer youth program. I said, "yes," and now it's hard to believe it's been nearly 20 years since I directed Alice in Wonderland Jr., my first youth production at what would become Rogers City Community Theatre. Although I haven't directed a youth production in quite a while, there's still something special about watching a troupe of young people come together to produce a musical during the summer!
With August upon us, it is time for this year's summer youth production at Rogers City Community Theatre. They've been working since June to bring a perennial favorite, Mary Poppins Jr., to the stage at the Rogers Theater. You'll be singing along and tapping your toes to songs such as "A Spoonful of Sugar," "Step in Time," and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." My personal favorite, because it always touches my imagination, is "Feed the Birds."
I hope you'll spend some of your summer with these young people and support the fruit of their labor Thursday, July 30th through Sunday, August 2 at the Rogers Theater, 257 North Third St. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for students and $20 for adults. You can buy your ticket at the door or go to rcct.ludus.com to purchase your ticket in advance. I look forward to seeing you at the show!