Area Kids Perform at Paramount with Jefferson Youth Theater

Media Contact:

Kristen Gleason
Director of Marketing
The Paramount Theater
215 East Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434.979.1922 ext. 103
kristen@theparamount.net

For Immediate Release

July 3, 2008

Once again this year, the Jefferson Youth Theater (JYT) is teaming up with the Boys and Girls Club and UBS to give kids from all segments of the community a chance to perform at Charlottesville’s historic Paramount Theater.

This year kids can perform at The Paramount in two different shows on Saturday, July 19 -- they can play a fairy-tale character in the original musical production Snow White and the Dwarfs at 2:30 pm or join adult standouts like Terri Allard, Art Wheeler, Ian Gilliam, and juggler David Vanderveer in So You Want to Be a Star?, a talent show at 7:30 pm.

Thanks to the unique partnership between the Jefferson Youth Theater, The Boys and Girls Club, and UBS, performing at The Paramount is becoming an annual event. "For the Boys & Girls Club parents," says Executive Director Tim Sinatra, "watching their kids on the big stage made them so proud -- it's very gratifying. It's what the Club is all about."

Tickets for the July 19 performances of Snow White and the Dwarfs (at 2:30 pm) and So You Want to Be a Star? (at 7 pm) are $9 each. Tickets may be purchased online at www.theparamount.net or through The Paramount’s Box Office at 434.979.1333.

Both shows are part of the Jefferson Youth Theater's July drama camps. All children are accepted to the camps and receive roles. "The best thing about the shows," explains 11 year-old Samantha Reid, who has performed with JYT for three years, "is that every role is a good one."

The Snow White camp for 5 to 18 year olds rehearses July 14 through 18 from 12 to 3:30 pm each day. So You Want to Be a Star? is for 9 to 18 year olds, and rehearses July 7 to 11, from 12 to 3:30 pm daily.

Boys and Girls Club kids form a part of the cast and receive full scholarships to attend the camps. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Club as well. As said by Sinatra, "the opportunity that our kids have to perform in such a prestigious theater, and to receive such quality training, is outstanding."

"It's where Tony Bennett and Bill Cosby perform," notes JYT director Peter Ryan, "and such a beautiful space." "The place is so big and awesome," adds 11-year-old actress Maggie Spindel, who played in last year's Beauty and the Beast, "I felt like I was a star myself."

The Jefferson Youth Theater has been performing Snow White and the Dwarfs at area schools, and this Paramount appearance will be their culminating production of the show. The play’s young performers portray a wide range of roles including Young, Middle, and Older Snow White, dwarfs, dueling knights, evil stepsisters, and a host of forest creatures including birds, rabbits, and squirrels.

Ryan puts his own spin on the Snow White fairy tale, and writes the show's songs in a contemporary style. "My daughter loves the songs so much," says Ruckersville parent Jennifer Frydl, "that she's doing one at her music recital." "You find yourself still singing the songs months after the performances," says Hollymead parent Michelle Reid.

So You Want to be a Star has elements of a backstage musical -- in the vein of High School Musical and Hannah Montana, but with Ryan's unique slant. Jealousy, romance, and sibling rivalry erupt as the competition intensifies at a school talent show. And “Teen Idol” judge Simon Scowl is rumored to be coming to look for the next Pop Star! The talent show will feature adult stars and many local kids, including the Step Team of Monticello/Albemarle.

"It was an awesome, awesome experience," says Deonte Rohan, one of the Club members who starred in last year's show. "I loved every bit of it -- can't wait to do it again." "It's a great morale booster for Club kids," his mother Betty adds, "and really develops their skills."

The theater camp has one final session on July 21 through 25 for kids 5 to 18 years of age. Daily rehearsals from 12 to 3:30 pm will result in a performance of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. Area children can participate in one, two, or all three camp weeks and performances. To register and for further information, please call Peter Ryan at 434.249.2803.