Harbor Playhouse's latest production will be a revue performed by children, teens
When Vincenzo Del Rossi sat in his seat at Harbor Playhouse while children around his age performed song and choreography from "Moana JR." in 2022, something inside him awoke.
Del Rossi joins a cast of 21 kids, aged 9 to 15, for the community theater's latest production, MTI's (Musical Theatre International) Broadway Junior Revue: Raise Your Voice.
The revue, which runs about an hour long, contains hit songs from Broadway Junior musicals including "Mary Poppins Jr.," "High School Musical Jr." and "Singin' in the Rain Jr." It will run for six shows from Friday to Sunday, April 21.
Tickets can be purchased on-site or online at harborplayhouse.com.
Bethany Goldson, musical director, said the age of the cast involved is a delicate time as one's voice start to change.
"However, I have been amazed by how quickly they have grasped these intense vocal concepts," Goldson said. "It's amazing on how they've been able to create the harmonies together. To see them do this complicated music is very rewarding."
Lila Guzman, 14, gets to perform the singing lead in "So Much Better" from "Legally Blonde Jr."
Guzman said she hadn't performed on stage since 2019, but she's always loved singing and dancing.
"It has been a fun experience and I'm making new friends," Guzman said. "It's great knowing people will get to see a whole bunch of us kids put our talent on display for the world to watch."
Not only is Josh Salinas the director of the production, but he is also the director of Harbor's summer camp. He said he and Bethany have been attempting to build-up the children's program there.
"For a lot of these kids, this is their outlet," Salinas said. "Some of them don't seem to fit in everywhere else, but when they're here it's totally different. They are able to make friends and long-lasting relationships."
Salinas said people should continue supporting community theater just like they do with local businesses.
"Without people coming, this place can't run," Salinas said. "All of us here love doing this and can't do it anywhere else. There's no greater feeling than taking an audience away from their worries and troubles for a couple of hours with a production. These kids get to play a part in that now."
A self-claimed talented singer and (somewhat) dancer, Del Rossi said he is excited for his first production to finally open at Harbor Playhouse.
"I hope kids will get inspired by us," Del Rossi. "I hope they have that same feeling I did when I watched 'Moana Jr.'"
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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or X @johnpoliva.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Harbor Playhouse attempts to grow children's program with revue
