This summer, the Duluth Playhouse Youth Theatre is set to present two exceptional productions at the NorShor Theatre. Showcasing the extraordinary talents of over 60 young performers from the Twin Ports area, these performances are the result of a four-week intensive training in acting, singing and dancing.
From August 9-11, the Junior Intensive (grades 3-8) will captivate audiences with 'Godspell Jr.', a timeless and endearing show. The excitement continues the next weekend with the Teen Intensive (grades 9-12) staging 'Mean Girls High School Version', from August 16-18.
'Godspell', a cherished classic by Stephen Schwartz, the Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer of 'Wicked', offers a diverse mix of songs, ranging from pop to vaudeville. The narrative begins with a diverse group of individuals uniting under the guidance of a charismatic leader who imparts lessons of kindness, tolerance, and friendship. As the plot unfolds, their sense of community strengthens, leading to a moving conclusion that highlights the significance of love and human connection. With its playful storytelling and vibrant music, 'Godspell' has resonated with audiences worldwide.
'Mean Girls High School Version', inspired by the hit 2004 film 'Mean Girls', features a "fetch" musical adaptation by book writer Tina Fey (30 Rock), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde), and composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt). It brims with sharp humor, a catchy pop soundtrack, and all the memorable moments from the film.
The musical chronicles the journey of Cady Heron, a teenager who, after being homeschooled in Africa, moves to Illinois and encounters the complex social hierarchies of American high school. In a surprising turn of events, Cady is invited to join the notorious clique known as "The Plastics," headed by the archetypal queen bee, Regina George. The story delves into themes of identity, friendship, and the challenges of adolescence.
Godspell JR.
Originally Adapted and Produced for the New York Stage by Edgar Lansbury, Stuart Duncan, and Joseph Beruh
Book by John Michael Tebelak
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Performances:
August 9 - 11, 2024
Friday, August 9 at 7PM
Saturday, August 10 at 2PM
Saturday, August 10 at 5PM (ASL Interpreted Performance)
Sunday, August 11 at 2PM (Relaxed Performance)
Sunday, August 11 at 5PM
Creative Team:
Director: Paulina Jurzec
Music Director: Lussi Salmela
Choreographer: Kaitlyn Callahan
Stage Manager: Kian Arnold
Scenic Designer: Curtis Phillips
Lighting Designer: Robert Lee
Assistant Lighting Designer: Jacob Steen
Sound Designer: Nick Gosen
Props Designer: Aaliyah Paxton
Costume Designer: Caitlin Quinn
Cast:
Jesus: Dane Ottjes, Grace Annis, Jonathan Speer, Cole Ottjes
John the Baptist: Peter Boman
Judas: Niko Fornear
Day by Day Soloists: Jones Luoma-Mattson, Lena Sivertson
Learn Your Lessons Well Soloists: Paisley Kern, Atlee Laurent
Oh Bless the Lord Soloist: Iris Mae Granger
All Good Gifts Soloist: Baker Anderson
We Beseech Thee Soloist: Norah Benedict
Light of the World Soloists: Iris Rains, Violet Granger
Beautiful City Soloist: Olive Clark
Apostles/Featured Ensemble: Baker Anderson, Tiegen Fryberger, Acelyn Graber, Iris Mae Granger, Violet Granger, Ginger Helstrom, Paisley Kern, Jones Luoma-Mattson, Iris Rains, and Stella Stolp
Ensemble: Elin Annis, Keira Cincoski, Annie Coffin-Langdon, Laila Davis, Eleanor Eichman, Evan Gergich, Kasey Gustafson, Brian Lilliberg, Charlotte McCarthy, Lucie McCarthy, Louisa McMahon, Lena Sivertson, Emilia Stachowicz, and Freyja Thompson
Mean Girls High School Version
Book by Tina Fey
Music by Jeff Richmond
Lyrics by Nell Benjamin
Based on the Paramount Pictures film Mean Girls
Performances:
August 16 - 18, 2024
Friday, August 16 at 7PM
Saturday, August 17 at 2PM
Saturday, August 17 at 6PM (ASL Interpreted Performance)
Sunday, August 18 at 2PM (Relaxed Performance)
Sunday, August 18 at 6PM
Creative Team:
Director: Kendra Carlson
Music Director: Elizabeth Brophy
Choreographer: SJ Olson
Stage Manager: Tom Higgins
Scenic Designer: Curtis Phillips
Lighting Designer: Robert Lee
Assistant Lighting Designer: Jacob Steen
Sound Designer: Nick Gosen
Props Designer: Carrie Powers Greer
Costume Designer: Sasha Howell
Cast:
Cady Heron: Katherine Nelson
Janis Sarkisian: Bea Martin
Damian: Mikah Erdmann
Regina George: Reagan Kern
Gretchen Wieners: Lyra Tennis Luoma
Karen Smith: Clare Boyle
Aaron Samuels: Noah Ellis
Shane: Jacob Waechter
Jason: Zoe Jazdzewski
Kevin: Berlin Johnson
Martin: Sawyer Baldes
Tyler: Figs Selvog
Ms. Norbury: Izzie Birchhill
Ms. George/French Teacher: Elsie Sather
Mr. Buck: Jacob Waechter
Principal Duvall: Iris Zeppernick-Maki
Carr: Violet Fletcher
Taylor: Londynn Salmi
Caitlyn: Natylee Anderson
Rachel: Izzie Lampi
Sonja: Josie Zebot
Lizzie: Gabriella McDonald
Glenn Coco: Cay Bergman
Dawn: Amelia Halstensgard
Grace: Fiona Murphy
Sophie: Maddie Berkhof
Mike: Cay Bergman
Sarah: Ivy Venditto
Caroline K: Maddy Trone
Teary Girl: Kendra Wellentin
Mathletes: Berlin Johnson, Cay Bergman, Amelia Halstensgard
