9/25/08

Jersey onstage in teens’ musical production

Local teens get the chance to present the rollicking musical “Once Upon a Time in New Jersey” through Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE TeenSelect program. The production runs September 26 through October 5 at the Everett Performing Art Center, located at 2710 Wetmore Avenue in Everett.

The musical tells the story of an a deli sandwich slinger Vinnie, who loves counter girl Angie. But Angie loves tough guy Rocco, who is on the run from the mob. When Vinnie agrees to swap lives with Rocco for a week, he gets a chance at Angie, and much more than he bargained for.

KIDSTAGE is only the third theatre company in America to produce “Once Upon a Time in New Jersey.” The production has proven to be an exciting and somewhat unique challenge for KIDSTAGE actors.

Director Jessica Low explained, “They have to be so huge in their acting choices in order for the show to play the way it is supposed to. As an artistic team we have tried to give them as much research as possible about the style of show and the world in which these characters are living.”

The show features 21 actors in grades 8 through 12. A full-scale musical production, the show includes simple yet professionally designed sets, costumes, lights, and sound.

Tickets start at $9 each and are available at the EPAC box office or by phone at (425) 257-8600. To purchase tickets online, visit www.villagetheatre.org.