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Kirby Kidz, a production of the F.M. Kirby Center’s and the Harris Conservatory for the Arts outreach programs, will present “101 Dalmatians Kids” and “Into the Woods JR” at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 19 and 20 at the F. M. Kirby Center. From left, first row, Catherine Ziegler, Lindsay Sherrick, Alan Lisman, Sophia Piccolotti, Christa Berrini, Alex Aiello, Megan Dennis, Taylor Grochowski, Hannah Ziegler. Second row, Emma Wheeler, Zuzu Kester, Michala Dennis, Bella Buckland, Jacob Harris, Madison Pertl, Grace Aiello, Audrey Flynn. Third row, Ricky Hosage, Janice Lisman, Giana Piccolotti, Britney Cheskiewicz, Sarah Joseph, Anna Scholl, Justin Yavorski. Fourth row, Amanda Sedor, Anna James, Alexandra Ayers, Nina McCormack, Salena Diaz, Chloe Lacoste, Amelia Sack, Brianna Stilp, Anna Giacometti. Fifth row, Brittany Kodra, Ben Nause, Jaclyn Leighton, Joanne Momfiletto, Christian Clinton, Nicole Birosak. Absent at the time of the photo were Maxine Derome, Hope Frantz, Julia Jonelunas, Alexis Legg, Grace Nicolai and Samantha Waichulis.
“101 Dalmatians Kids” and “Into the Woods JR” will be staged at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 19 and 20 at the F. M. Kirby Center.
Several singers, dancers and actors from the Back Mountain communities will be part of the productions.
The production marks the conclusion of a seven-week theater workshop held for regional children which began at the end of June and focused on acting technique, theater fundamentals, vocal performance, dance terminology and performance.
Kirby Kidz is a product of the F.M. Kirby Center’s and the Harris Conservatory for the Arts outreach programs and is made possible in part with the support of the Passan Foundation.
The program, unique to Northeast Pennsylvania, is designed to offer that “Kirby Experience” to all aspiring school-age actors, singers and dancers. The program is open to all boys and girls ages 4 to 18 regardless of stage experience or training.
This year, members of the Kirby Kidz have been separated into two different shows. Children ages 5 to 9 years old make up the cast of “101 Dalmatians Kids,” a musical based on the classic Walt Disney movie.
“Into the Woods JR” features Kirby Kidz ages 10 through 15 years old. The musical interlaces the characters of several classic fairytales and develops their stories further expanding on their wishes and quests.
Some of the Back Mountain residents who will be part of this weekend’s performances are Grace Nicolai, Justin Yanorski, Anna Giacometti and Maxine DeRome, all of Dallas; Janice Lisman, Alan Lisman, Hope Frantz, Grace Aiello, and Alex Aiello, all of Shavertown; and Anna James, of Jackson Township.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 the days of the performance and are available at the Harris Conservatory for the Arts in Luzerne and the Kirby Box Office. Children age 5 and under are free.
For more information on Kirby Kidz or this weekend’s productions, call the Harris Conservatory for the Arts at 570-718-0673.