By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
The Virgin Valley Theatre Group Summer Youth Program presented Disney’s “101 Dalmatians” at the Virgin Valley Community Theater last weekend. The children’s theatre group featuring elementary school-age kids gave a passionate rendition of how to save the dalmatian puppies from the heartless, self-centered Cruella DeVille from making.
Director Wende Killinger and her crew did an amazing job of transforming 42 youngsters, many still learning how to read, into this enthusiastic cast of performers. They sang and danced eleven songs, and everyone knew their lines with no hesitation. All this was accomplished in just two weeks. Remarkable!
Bianca Cortez lit up the stage with her performance of Cruella DeVille, Singing, dancing and plotting evil with her cohorts Horace, played by Carter White, and Jasper, played by James Trimming.
The whole cast sang and danced their way into the hearts of their audience. Their enthusiasm was unbounded and a joy to watch.
The costumes were wonderful. Who can resist little ones made up as cute little doggies?
Kenna Anavisca brought her family to see the production. This was their first time to attend the Summer Theater.
“I think it was wonderful!” Anavisca said. “I am really impressed.”
The production team did a great job as always with sets, stage manager, lights.
Killinger was director, Konner Peterson was assistant director, Mitzi Bender was Music Director and Joy Craig was Choreographer for forty-two little ones.
The Progress was informed by the city that they have awarded funds for a new sound system to the Virgin Valley Community Theater from the City Redevelopment Agency Funds. VVTG said they are working on acquiring the new system and hope to have it in operation in the theatre soon.
As if we were not charmed enough inside the theater, as we walked outside the cast was lined up and burst into song again at our exiting. Making us feel special. How special are they?!
Killinger took a moment at the end of the production to recognize John and Nancy Rosen, who a re sustaining donors for the Youth Programs/Workshops that make these production possible.
The Summer Youth Theater Productions are getting to be top-notch and are a not-to-be-missed part of summer entertainment.