I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of our group of incredibly talented young people! Even after the busiest of weeks, when I'd otherwise find degrees of tiredness drain me, a morning at one of our rehearsals revives me more than any mere tonic! The sheer enthusiasm and energy buzzing around the room is enlivening beyond belief!
Our rehearsals for the next Stage One 2000 show - The Dracula Spectacula - are progressing wonderfully, with most of the first act set and many numbers and scenes from the second already nearing that initial step that lets us all know we're well on our way.
The actors playing the main rolls are developing their characters quickly, and we're all enjoying their interractions as this is such an excellent showcase for young comedy talent.
... 'Dracula' and 'Genghis' - an hysterically funny scene which calls for some high energy action from our young actors!
This week we're hoping to organise some fundraising events to help us cover the costs of putting on our latest show - so keep checking back for rehearsal updates and notifications of any events!
This year's production of 'Seussical The Musical' was a roaring success! We had the greatest fun rehearsing and producing the show, and that enthusiasm really brought the production to life. On a shoe-string budget we achieved what had seemed impossible initially, creating costumes out of nothing and making use of the exceptional lighting technology available at The Little Theatre to create impressive sets and effects which transported the audience into the magical world of Dr Seuss!
We've watched so many children hone their skills in such shows, becoming promising young talents, and 'Seussical' is an excellent show for such a group, affording each cast member a genuine chance to shine and make an impression. Watching the blossoming comedy talents of our young actors really helped us make the decision to choose 'The Dracula Spectacula' for our next production in 2014. It calls for true comic ability often beyond the ability of very young performers, but we know that the members of Stage One 2000 are incredibly gifted in this arena and we can't WAIT to see how they interpret their roles!
Below, you'll find the review given on the performance by Budge Grounsell on behalf of N.O.D.A. We were thrilled by his comments and I, personally, would like to thank Mr Grounsell and N.O.D.A. for their invaluable and ongoing support.
Seussical the Musical
Stage One 2000 Musical Youth Theatre
23 February 2013
Little Theatre, Birkenhead
Review
Author: Budge Grounsell
To all those who say today’s youth are not interested in such
things, I am delighted to say that youth theatre is very much alive and
well and had you been with me at the Little Theatre, Birkenhead to
see Stage 1 2000’s production of Seussical the Musical I doubt you could
give me an argument on that. A strong team led by Director Brenda
Davies, strongly abetted by Choreographer Allison Bentley-Jones,
Musical Director Nikki Molley and Assistant Director Ryan
Radley-Lawley combined to mould a wonderful cast of young players from 6
to 19 into a great evenings entertainment. With such a multitalented
group it would be great to single out every individual, alas that is
not possible so I must content myself with mentioning a few. Marc Smith
(the Cat) gave a stunning performance; seemingly ubiquitous, he sang,
danced and exercised strong comedic talents; what a bright future in
the theatre he has; it must run in the family as his sister Laura
showed her talent too as the Mayoress. Ed Mawdsley as Horton did
extremely well and maintained the right demeanor necessary in his part
throughout. Gertrude played by Caitlin Lee carried off her part with
style, loved the various tail feathers and Aisha Stalker brought Mayzie
to life and believability. Do Tranmere Rovers know how good she can
kick. Of course every cast member made a major contribution like six
year old Ruby Dilworth and Lola Bradley her friend who described
herself in the programme as a show girl, quite right too. The costumes
were excellent, devised and created by Jenny King and Beryl Cross.
Sound, Lighting and Stage Management can never be overlooked; often
taken for granted but never to be taken lightly. Of course we must not
forget the ladies who do the rehearsal snacks especially when such a
young cast are involved and who are no doubt always hungry. We are
hungry too for your next performance.
*
A good review is such a wonderful motivation - for everyone! On that note, it's off to rehearsals!
We were THRILLED to have our efforts rewarded recently with a full page article in the exceptional Liverpool Echo newspaper. The Liverpool Echo's Wish 2013 Campaign offers non-profit groups and organisations a superb opportunity to raise much-needed funds by collecting tokens (published daily). In return for the tokens we - along with other deserving applicants - receive valuable contributions which help to support our work for another year.
It was so encouraging for adults and children alike to feel the support from The Liverpool Echo, and we know that the advertising that it gave our theatre group will help make our next production - 'The Dracula Spectacula' - a success. I thought you'd like to see the article and the picture too, which shows the group in costume at a rehearsal for 'Seussical The Musical', performed to great acclaim at The Little Theatre in Birkenhead, Wirral in February 2013.
Kids set stage for biggest Wish ever
Wirral theatre group can't wait to get started
A youth theatre group from Wirral is setting the stage for their best Wish campaign yet.
Jenny King, one of the original founders of Stage One 2000 Musical
Theatre, says their children are starting to collect tokens and
persuading mums, dads, aunties and uncles, friends and neighbours to get
behind their drive.
She said: “We are doing everything we can to make this our biggest
Wish yet. We’ve entered the past two years. Last year we got around £200
which we spent on costumes for our Seussical the Musicial performance.
“We’ve got children collecting from everyone they know and they are asking their schools to get involved too.”
Jenny said the money they get from this year’s entry would be put towards production costs.
To encourage children to join, the group only charges a small weekly fee – enough to cover their costs.
They fundraise by holding bag packs and by putting on productions.
This year’s is a spooky comedy called Dracula Spectacula which will be
shown in February at the Little Theatre in Birkenhead.
If you would like to support Stage One 2000, send your tokens to Jenny, 13 Lancaster Avenue, Wallasey, CH45 7LP.
Hello and WELCOME one and all to our BRAND NEW blog!
Stage One 2000 Musical Youth Theatre is a long-running (now independent) theatre group for talented young people. We're based on the Wirral Peninsula here in the UK, rehearsing on Sundays and performing one complete show in February every year.
This year, we are proud to announce that we will be performing 'The Dracula Spectacula', a musical comedy which is guaranteed to please! It allows ample opportunity to showcase the talents of our young perfomers, with great music, song lyrics and some scenes which will have the audience rolling in the aisles!
My name is Jenny King, and I am the chairman of the society. Along with a small group of incredibly talented, theatre-experienced adults we will be keeping you up-to-date with the highs and lows and general excitement that come with 'putting on a show'. We'll have LOTS of fabulous pictures, some lovely memories, and some interesting history too. No doubt there'll be obstacles to overcome, but that's part of the fun, so come along for the ride - add us to your favourites and join the charabanc of giggles, traumas and many, MANY sparkly things that is the latest production by STAGE ONE 2000 MUSICAL YOUTH THEATRE!
