The kids are taking over the Firehouse Arts Center this summer.
The Pleasanton Youth Theater Company is in the midst of a four-production run on the downtown stage, with the second show – “Junie B. Jones Jr.” – set for four performances this Friday and Saturday. “Cinderella: Youth Edition” follows July 17-18, and “Mean Girls: High School Edition” closes out the series July 31 to Aug. 8.
“Our shows this Summer represent the wide range of youth actors we have in the City of Pleasanton,” Jeff Zavattero, the city’s library and recreation coordinator, told the Weekly.
“Participants of all ages get the opportunity to learn and grow telling stories that they can relate to with characters they love,” Zavattero added. “These shows are put together from start to finish in 4-5 weeks, and they’re so excited to show the community what they’ve been working on.”
PYTC’s summer series opened June 26 with a one-night-only performance of “Miscast Cabaret” featuring high schoolers taking on musical theater roles they would not have been traditionally picked for. It was the final of three cabaret shows for the teens in the program this year, noted director Mathew Glynn.
“It was filled with joy, laughter, and moments of powerful sincerity,” Glynn said. “I am consistently in awe of their professionalism, willingness to learn and immense talent. Every cabaret is a great night of entertainment, and I cannot wait to see all that we will accomplish with our next season!”
Coming up this Friday and Saturday is a youth musical version of the “Junie B. Jones” book series by the late Barbara Park. PYTC performers are split into two groups, with the “AM Cast” on stage Friday at 2 p.m. and Saturday at 7 p.m. and the “PM Cast” on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m.
“Step into the halls of Clarence Somebody or Other Elementary School for an adventure full of fun, laughter, and music! Come see our incredible cast show off their hard work, and discover the magic of being yourself,” Duncan Allan, one of the directors, told the Weekly.
“All our performers worked hard at telling the story of 1st grader Junie B. Jones and all her bright and colorful adventures,” said the other director, Veronica Pascual. “From learning how to juggle to being a kickball halftime show star! Come share the joy all our performers pour on stage, and enjoy a musically talented show!”
Then next weekend, PYTC will present “Cinderella: Youth Edition” for four shows between Friday and Saturday, again split between two casts and two directors.
“‘Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ combines the story everyone loves with the golden age of musical theatre to create a product of heart, humor and timeless storytelling,” director Mackenzie McDonald said ahead of the July 17-18 production. Leila Brown is directing the other cast.
Wrapping up the summer series will be a two-weekend run of “Mean Girls: High School Edition”, an adaptation of the movie and stage musical from the mind of Tina Fey. Glynn directs both the Fetch and Schquillz casts, who will present three shows each between July 31 and Aug. 8 (rated PG-13).
“Mean Girls is a story of morality, peer pressure, and what it means to be ourselves,” Glynn said. “Many of us immediately think of the comedy and iconic quotes, but as Janis famously says, ‘Don’t be fooled by the pink!’ Beneath is a biting social commentary on high school cliques, bullying and the effects these things can have on teenagers.”
“Having our young performers tell this story allows them to bring themselves to the stage in a way that I believe will resonate with all of us,” Glynn added. “Not to mention the catchy songs, incredible choreography and the immense talent of our casts!”
For tickets, schedules and more information, go to firehousearts.org.
