The South Arkansas Arts Center has announced that the youth theatre program will present Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS as its spring production.
The show, sponsored by El Dorado Kiwanis Club, is slated to run April 20-21. To prepare students for auditions, SAAC is hosting a meet and greet pre-audition party from 5-6 p.m. Tuesday, where information will be available about the audition and rehearsal process.
Parents will be able to chat with Director Hannah Davis and Music Director Sophia Meyer while students watch the Aristocats animated movie and enjoy cat-themed festivities such as whisker painting and a photo booth. The event is encouraged for anyone, from second through eighth grade, interested in auditioning.
The high-energy 30-minute musical is based on the beloved 1970 Disney animated film. Featuring a jazzy, upbeat score, Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS is a non-stop thrill ride of feline fun, complete with twists and turns. Join Thomas O’Malley, Duchess and the kittens as they dance their way through madcap adventures and thwart the villainous butler, Edgar. Adapted especially for young performers, this musical includes favorite Disney songs including “Ev’rbody Wants to be a Cat” and “Scales and Arpeggios.”
In addition to learning more about telling stories through drama, music, dance, costumes, stage sets and more, Meyer said those participating will learn a few life lessons.
“Duchess and the Kittens come from a different life than Thomas O’Malley, the Alley Cat,” Meyer said. “But when the kittens are in trouble, O’Malley helps them find their way home. They learn to be trusting and respectful of those different from them, which is a life skill our actors can take home with them.”
Meyer, SAAC intern and veteran of the SAAC stage, will musically direct the family musical. Meyer has been involved with theatre since she was 4, and is excited to work with the young performers. Most recently, Meyer has co-assistant directed “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and taught voice lessons at SAAC to middle-schoolers. Meyer has received professional training both locally and nationally, most notably at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. Next semester, she plans on majoring in vocal performance with a career goal in performing and teaching classical music and musical theatre. She is also involved with choir and serves as Senior President of Thespian Troupe 42 at El Dorado High School.
Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS is sponsored by El Dorado Kiwanis Club. It is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Auditions are planned for Feb. 5-6 at 5:30 pm.
For more information about this show, call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474 or visit saac-arts.org. SAAC is located at 110 E. Fifth St., El Dorado, Arkansas.