The Maltz Jupiter Theatre's Conservatory of Performing Arts has three exciting student productions coming up in May, June and July: Cats, Footloose and Honk, Jr.
Originally playing for two performances only - May 20 and 21, at 7:30 p.m. - Cats has been so popular with local theatre patrons that a third performance has been added: Sunday, May 22, at 2 p.m.
Based on the universally popular poetry of
T.S. Eliot, Cats tells the story, in song and dance, of the annual gathering of Jellicle cats at which time one special cat is selected to ascend to the Heaviside layer. A true musical theatre phenomenon, Cats will be directed by two Conservatory instructors and original Broadway cast members:
Anna McNeely, the original Jennyanydots on Broadway, and
Brian Andrews, a 10-year cast member of the Broadway show (starring
Betty Buckley). Also directing is Leah Roy.
"Anna and Brian's incredible knowledge of the show and how it was brought to life will provide an educational opportunity unlike any other in the area," said Julie Rowe, the Conservatory's director of education. "Learning the original Cats choreography, students are challenged to rise to the caliber of Broadway's dancers. We also acquired the original Broadway costumes for our show, which is very exciting for our students and audiences."
Andrews and McNeely both said they are extremely proud of the young cast.
"The work ethic and commitment from our performers - from our youngest third graders to our college-bound seniors - has carried them to a level of excellence that has surprised even them, setting a new standard that we will be able to bring to our future productions," Andrews said. "I can't wait to share their talent with the world."
"This particular show is a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to theatre for the first time, and I feel so proud that we are directing it together," McNeely said. "I don't know of anywhere else in the area that students have had the opportunity to perform this show with the guidance of two original cast members, and we have seen tremendous growth since we started rehearsals. They have really stepped up to the plate."
Catch a special sneak preview of Cats at the Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens on May 1 at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
In June and July, the Conservatory's vacation camps include three-week Junior and Senior Conservatory summer camps (grades 3-5 and 6-12) that will culminate in full performances of the musicals Footloose and Honk Jr. on the Theatre's main stage.
Footloose performances are slated for June 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. Honk, Jr. performances will take place July 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the three shows are $20 for adults; $15 for children.
Footloose, a stage adaptation of the 1984 film, offers a message of tolerance and celebrating life.
"Footloose is all about dealing with adversity in a positive way, and the music in the show is fast and fun," Rowe said. "A high-octane rock musical with power and flair, the show offers an all-singing, all-dancing journey through the '80s."
"Honk Jr. is a contemporary, comic adaptation of Hans
Christian Anderson's The Ugly Duckling, and it brings a message of acceptance and self esteem," Rowe said. "It gives young ones the opportunity to explore characters in a fun and exciting way. Since all of the characters are barnyard animals, it also provides a fantastic outlet for imagination and creativity."
The
Maltz Jupiter Theatre Conservatory of Performing Arts offers a challenging, innovative and quality theatre experience to students of all ages and abilities. In addition to a full schedule of classes, the Conservatory's workshops and master classes offer students an opportunity to learn first-hand about the world of theatre from nationally known composers and performers, agents and local instructors.
To purchase tickets for any of these shows, call the box office at (561) 575-2223. For more information on the Conservatory's programs, call 561-575-2672 or visit
www.jupitertheatre.org.
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