The Vagabond Performing Arts Academy at Steel River Playhouse will present A CHARM SCHOOL WITCH, with book and lyrics by Aileen McCulloch and lyrics and music by Nora Whitaker, on Saturday, June 17 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 18 at 2 p.m. The show culminates an educational workshop under the direction of Chelsea Barnett, and features 18 talented acting students.
When a young new witch, Millicent Beauregard (played by Kathryn Yaglenski) comes to the greatest all girl magic school in the United States, West Witch Charm School, she thinks she has no talent as a witch. Under the guidance of head mistress Abercrombie (played by Megan Carney) and assistant Miss Peabody (played by Lucy Figg) all of the girls are focused on finding their magical path, and little mistakes are happening all over the place.
Deleria (Helena Swiderski) keeps blowing up the charm lab with her wacky spells, while Black Cat (Kaylie Reinboth) has found a white hair and is afraid her witch Lucinda Gates (played by Haley Lindenmuth) won't want her anymore. Green witch Grizelda (Emily Gomez) is tired of all the stereotypes, while Belinda (Kylah McAndrew) just wants people to take her seriously. As the school year begins, the all girl school is also welcoming boys for the first time, and Arthur McKnight (Tom Pederson), Ronald Ipswitch (Gabe Stilwell) and his brother Basil (Larsen Hunsberger) aren't sure exactly how to fit in.
In this joyful tale of growing up, the friends teach each other a valuable lesson about what real magical charm is all about. Of course they all have to learn it as they go - as the musical explores great lessons about confidence, how to handle mistakes, building skills, and more importantly, being a great friend. Also included in the ensemble are Veronica Figg, Rebecca Nester, Ava Parkinson, Ella Harris, Peyton Benfield and Olivia Stitt.
The show is the final performance of the education workshop program season. Several new workshops are on tap with sufficient enrollment to begin classes in August including The Tempest by William Shakespeare, an adaptation of Orwell's Animal Farm, and another original musical, Zombie High: A Musical with Bite. For tickets, or to receive information for the coming season, look for information on the company's website at www.steelriver.org.
About Steel River Playhouse - Steel River Playhouse is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable education and performance facility that seeks to strengthen community, inspire creative exploration, educate, and entertain, through the presentation of quality performing arts events and education for diverse audiences. Designated as a “gateway” performing arts center, Steel River provides affordable, high quality performances, comprehensive educational offerings, and enriching volunteer opportunities in all aspects of theatre arts. Students and volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to explore and grow their skills by working side-by- side with professional instructors, performers, directors, and designers.
