Michael Lotano, SCT Artistic Director, and long-time staff member Sarah Sutliff stepped up to emcee for the flu-stricken Benita Zahn. After the banter of “It Takes Two,” from “Hairspray,” they turned the stage over to the young singers. An ensemble, ages 6-13, started the fun with “Candyman” from “Willy Wonka Jr.,” before the Teen Troupe took over, singing “13” from the show of the same name.
Eleven more student performances followed, most solos. Devin Towne reprised his role as Jesus from the St. Clement’s Church production of “Godspell,” moving the audience with “Beautiful City.” (For those who missed it, St. Clement’s will present the musical again in March.) Henry Sinnott entertained with his rendition of “Get Me What I Need,” from “13,” yearning, somewhat desperately, for ‘Kendra.’ And Egan Mills sang “Somewhere over the Rainbow” accompanied by guitarist Rick Bolton.
While some parents whisked young singers home to bed, Panza’s took advantage of the intermission to serve cookie trays and coffee. After wine refills and last-minute 50/50 sales, guests sat back to enjoy the second half of the evening, presented by the SCT staff. June Croyer crooned Irving Berlin’s “Suppertime,” and Adam Hebert touched hearts with “Dulcinea” from “Man of La Mancha.” Karey Trimmings, director of the aforementioned “Godspell” and several SCT productions, sang of “Home,” as did Sariah Patrick, the first from “Phantom” and the latter, “Beauty and the Beast.”
The grand finale was a stirring tribute to Marvin Hamlisch, who said that “At the Ballet” was his favorite of the many songs he composed. Rosie Spring, Sarah Sutliff and Erika Hebert performed the poignant piece from “A Chorus Line.”
Community spirit, the heart of Saratoga Children’s Theatre, warmed the room that night. Focused on music and theatre education, SCT enriches and inspires children, capturing their artistic qualities. Through all of their programs, SCT strives to not only provide a forum for creating theatre, but also to build a future audience with a life-long love of the theatre arts.
Summer camp registration opened on January 13. Several sessions are available for Rising Stars (ages 4-6), Kids (ages 7-10), Juniors (ages 10-13) and the Teen Troupe (ages 12-18). Teen productions, “Legally Blonde” and “The Wedding Singer” this year, are at Skidmore College; all others are held at St. Clement’s School. The younger actors will present 7 different shows, including “Alice in Wonderland Jr.”, “Honk!”, “A Year with Frog and Toad Kids” and “Annie Kids.” For dates and details, visit www.saratogachildrenstheatre.org.
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