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Shoestring Theatre in Lake Helen proudly features the dazzling talent of young performers in the ninth annual Young Artists Musical Showcase at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4. If you love Broadway, this is the show for you!
Every year, Shoestring holds auditions for students ages 13-20. Coming from Volusia and Seminole counties, talented youth from different high schools and colleges merge to perform an evening of solos, duets and ensemble numbers that make audiences laugh, cry and cheer.
This year will offer a crowd pleaser, with songs representing old and new Broadway. Newcomer Jaidyn Richardson will perform “If I Were a Rich Man” from Fiddler on the Roof and contrast it with “You’ll Be Back” from Hamilton!
The audience will giggle with Natalie Grooms’ interpretation of “The Alto’s Lament” and cry when she displays her acting ability in “Without You” from Ghost the Musical.
The classic “Steam Heat” will feature the dance talents of Natalie Alonzo, Jillian Lamboglia, Demetris Pressley and Nick Rossi.
Reece Windjack returns for his third year to perform “Sibella” and the duet “Proposal” from Titanic with Nick Rossi.
Eli Lemoine, another veteran, continues to shine with “Stars and the Moon.”
Two more returning Young Artists are Kayla Gelovich singing “Stupid Love” from Waitress and Joshua Freeman presenting a chilling performance of “Epiphany” from the strange and wonderful musical Sweeney Todd.
Brihanna Gayton charms the audience with “On the Steps of the Palace,” and is joined by Collette Martin and Karina Pomales to sing the trio “I Know It’s Today” from Shrek. The youngest performer this year, Sophia Mercado, sings a delightful rendition of “A Wink and a Smile.”
Other Broadway shows represented will include Seussical, Into the Woods, Once on This Island, Wicked and more.
The audience will hear many favorites and experience soon-to-become favorites during this exceptional show.
This group of young artists has been fortunate to work with five coaches from the Central Florida area. First, Anne Sollien, creator of the showcase, never misses the opportunity to work with these exciting young performers. This year, her supporting staff has included seasoned performers recognizable through their distinguished frequent and diverse work: Tiffany Demps, Aladdin Demps, Bernadette Siudock and Kate Dalia Peterson. Additionally, they all teach in Volusia County, as well as perform on stages all over Central Florida.
Each coach brings an individual perspective to the Young Artistsrehearsal sessions and carries the individual performances from good to truly amazing!
Finally, the art and interpretation of keyboardist Cynthia Hansen provide the youth with support and confidence to perform their best, as she expertly accompanies this show containing more than 25 numbers.
If you are looking for an evening of terrific music, acting and dancing, this show is calling you! You won’t see a better musical revue until next year, when Shoestring presents the 10th annual Young Artists Musical Showcase.
Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for students and children. The theater is at 380 S. Goodwin St. in Lake Helen.
Call for reservations at 386-228-3777, or go online to www.shoestringtheatre.net.
