How to go
What:
The Performing Arts Academy production of “101 Dalmatians”
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7
Where: Monroe High School auditorium, 220 Yankee Road, Monroe
Cost: Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children and seniors
More info: (513) 594-7242 for tickets or to sign up as a Performing Arts Academy volunteer
MONROE — Disney’s “101 Dalmatians” will soon arrive on the local stage, but this time children will make up the entire cast.
The play is being put on by the Performing Arts Academy and it’s one of several annual productions that involve students from the Middletown, Springboro, Edgewood, Lebanon, Madison and Lakota school districts.
“The Performing Arts Academy is open to all area children and it gives us a way to preserve the arts at a time when the economy is forcing many school districts to drop their arts programs,” said Nina Markle, director of the production.
Adapted from the 1961 Disney classic, this play was written for kids. Markle said the highlight will come when the villain, Cruella De Vil, steals the puppies, starting a chase scene that’s expected to delight the entire audience.
“I like playing Cruella because it’s fun to play a vicious and mean person, but being nice is OK, too,” said 9-year-old Katelyn Willis of Trenton.
Willis said it took her about three days to memorize her part, but she said she’s been practicing for her starring role since early July. Twelve-year-old Jans Tuada of Monroe plays Jasper in the show and said that being part of The Performing Arts Academy has helped him make new friends and has improved his coordination through dance.
The Performing Arts Academy began two years ago, and so far 95 children have participated in the theater program, which is made up of four age groups from preschool through ninth grade.
The “101 Dalmatians” production will be put on by kids in grades two through four, and it’s one of two shows the age group is doing this year.
While singers and dancers have to audition to be in the academy’s various plays, any child can participate by working on sets and helping out backstage. Adult volunteers are also needed to help with construction and costume design.
In addition to the theater program, The Performing Arts Academy offers voice and instrument instruction for $8 a session.
Contact this writer at tlhrsly@cinci.rr.com
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