Give Judy Kurtz 36 kids, a challenging script to a beloved musical and two weeks, and she is determined to pull off the improbable.
That confidence comes with a smile. She knows the business all too well.
“All the kids want to be here. They want to do this and can do this,” said Kurtz, who has been producing children’s theater in the area for 18 years. “They are amazing. We already had some run-throughs. They are going to be just fine.”
Kurtz, who operates her own theater company, PlayJude Drama, has been called upon to direct and produce “Annie Jr.” – a short version of the Broadway musical about an adventurous little orphan girl. The show also is a product of a large, young cast from the city-sponsored Theater Camp through the cooperation of the Auburn Avenue Theater.
Curtains open Saturday afternoon for the first of two shows at the historic “Ave.”
“Annie Jr.” is the culmination of a two-week camp that introduced local children, ages 7-14, to different aspects of theater, from voice and acting lessons to set design and costuming.
For many children, this was their second go-around at camp. Raeli Murray, an eighth-grader at Cascade Middle School, returns in the supporting role of Miss Hannigan, the cruel and villainous woman who runs the orphanage. It is a contrasting role to the one she played in the Theater Camp’s inaugural ’08 summer production of “Alice in Wonderland Jr.”
“Last year, I took on Alice, but I get to handle a more tougher role this time,” Murray said. “Playing Alice was one thing, but now I have to sing ugly and mean and become nasty.”
Lexie Higgins, 12, from Mt. Baker Middle School, also returns with some experience. She played Mowgli in “Jungle Book” and was the Cheshire Cat in last year’s “Alice in Wonderland Jr.” show at the Ave.
This time, Higgins steps to the forefront with the lead role of Annie. The different assignment is bringing out the best in her.
“I’m enjoying it, and I think it’s because I have more time on stage. It fits me more,” she said.
Theater Camp took wing last year and continues to draw good numbers.
The camp provides an affordable option for those youngsters interested in pursuing theater. The young cast learns different aspects of theater production, with an emphasis on voice, acting and choreography.
For the most part, the class has been a quick study.
“Fantastic so far,” said Drew Koch, who has helped conduct the camp and supervise the production with Kurtz. “The kids are hard working, diligent and intelligent.”
The camp has worked wonders with kids, broadening their expressive horizons.
“(The camp) shows them confidence,” Murray said. “It gives them (the opportunity) to step out of the box and it builds their personalities.”
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It’s show time
• Musical:
Recreation Department in partnership with the Auburn Avenue Theater.
• Performances: 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Doors open a half-hour earlier. Musical spans about an hour.
• Stage: Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave.
• Staff: Judy Kurtz (director, choreography); Drew Koch (assistant director, production).
• Tickets: $6. Available at the box office or by calling 253-931-3043.
