Rainbow Youth Theatre’s senior show for the summer is Dance Princess Dance!
It will be onstage at the Mark Isfeld Secondary School theatre with evening performances Aug. 8, 9 and 10 starting at 7 p.m. and a finale matinée performance Aug. 11 starting at 2 p.m.
“Working with a mostly teenage cast to put the medieval musical fantasy onstage is proving to be a most exhilarating experience,” says director Peter Woodhall.
It is an original script, written by Wee Three Productions, a group comprised of Woodhall, his wife Claudia, who also composed the songs in the show and Pippa Ingram, who is doing costumes and assisting with publicity as well.
The entire cast is giving their all to creating many magical theatre moments for valley audiences and are busily refining their performances during this last week of rehearsals prior to opening night on Aug. 8.
Like their director, they too are having a huge variety of “exhilarating experiences” and learning much in the way of theatre skills. Most of the cast have been involved with RYT before, having done other summer shows with the popular community theatre group.
However, when asked to share their thoughts about the show, a not so “usual” introduction to RYT was experienced by Kristan Saefkow, a new resident to the valley from Smithers. However, the ensuing involvement for Saefkow has certainly been one that is typically experienced by many — both onstage and off — who participate in the RYT summer theatre programs.
What better words to use then to describe his experience than those of Saefkow himself.
“I got involved with Rainbow Youth Theatre via a mix of confusion and well-intentioned family members. I had just arrived in the Comox area mere hours before the program sign up was to occur. My aunt, a constant planner of plans, had heard that I was very much involved in theatre throughout high school in my hometown of Smithers.
"My original plan was to find a job within several days of arriving on the island, but, having just driven 11 hours straight, I was well worn out and willing to take a day to adjust to my surroundings. Of course, this is where the original plan gets minced.
"After just some three hours sleep (or the equivalent) my aunt roused me from my rest to haul my weary, semi-conscious self over to Comox. It was there explained to me that I had to sign my name and agree to several commitments. The combination of confusion and fatigue led to my signing up (as I was later informed) for an audition time slot.
"I was told that I was a welcome addition to the group, and made quite comfortable. My potential employers, however, upon learning what times I was available, have not been so gracious … but what is employment when you can have theatre?
"Since then, I have been having a wonderful time meeting many people and making many friends. For a surprise excursion into unknown sociopolitical territory, I'd say it has been most enjoyable!
"The best part of being involved, aside from the wonderful people, is the experience and training, both in the fields of dance and singing, not to mention being able to work with a great director like Peter Woodhall.
"If anyone feels drawn to theatre, they should definitely get involved with this group. Everyone here is very welcoming and friendly, and the acting experience is wonderful and fun!
"I'm immensely satisfied with my experiences with RYT and I think that Dance Princess Dance is a show well worth coming to see. As an audience member I am positive you will have as good a time watching us perform as we are having performing onstage!”
The show will be onstage at the Mark Isfeld Secondary School theatre with evening performances (Aug. 8, 9 and 10) starting at 7 p.m. and a finale matinée performance Aug. 11 starting at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $15 per adult, $10 per youth with a 'Family and Friends Special' – spend $50 and get a free ticket to any performance of either RYT summer show. They are available at Mark Isfeld School during rehearsal times, Videos 'n More in Comox, and Planet Kids in Courtenay.
— Rainbow Youth Theatre