SCHENECTADY – Schenectady Light Opera Company (SLOC) is bringing back their youth program by putting on a production of David Henry Hwang’s “Tarzan: The Stage Musical.” Performances begin Friday, Nov. 3 and run through the 12th.
This is the first student production since 2019, as the program was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Every fall, prior to the pandemic, SLOC had hosted local high school students from grades 9-12, at no tuition, to perform as cast members for their youth show.
This year, director Stephen Foust invited 16 students from high schools in Burnt Hills, Guilderland, Colonie, Berlin and Shenendahowa to join the cast, as well as 14 students to work as members of the play’s production team.
Production team students will gain hands-on experience in directing, music, costume, sound and set design, and stage management.
“Youth theater creates an atmosphere where creativity blossoms, confidence takes center stage, and empathy is the applause that connects us all,” said artistic director of SLOC Michael Camelo. “This show is threaded together by imagination, teamwork and self-expression, which lights the way for a future where every young voice matters and the spotlight is shared by all.”
SLOC’s “Tarzan” will star Cameron Froehlich (Tarzan), Adeline Rose Mletzko (Young Tarzan), Natalya Palmer (Jane), Rylie Huang (Terk), Julia Magin (Kala), and Brayden Huneau (Kerchak).
Assisting the young performers will be Emily Rose Rivera (music director), Betsy Foust (choreographer), Elizabeth Corey and Christine Meglino (producers), and Elizabeth Sherwood-Mack (stage manager).
Evening performances will take place Nov.3-4, 9-11 at 8 p.m. and afternoon performances are held Nov. 5 and 12 at 3 p.m. at Schenectady Light Opera Company, located at 427 Franklin St., Schenectady. Ticket prices range from $25-$32. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be present at the Nov. 5 show. Deaf or hard of hearing community members must contact [email protected] or call (518)-730-7370 to obtain tickets. Contact Audrey Carlton at [email protected] for more information.