WESTON, Conn. -- More than two weeks of hard work and rehearsals "come to fruition" this weekend when four talented young Weston performers take the stage in "Camp Rock: The Musical."
Leo Bernstein, Olivia Bernstein, Isabelle Potash and Olivia Sacane of Weston and dozens of kids from Westport, Easton, Ridgefield, Wilton and Derby are featured in the production. Showtimes are Friday, Aug. 5, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 6, at 2 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 35 Norfield Road in Weston. The kids all take part in the summer camp run by the Music Theatre of Connecticut School of Performing Arts.
"It's tough, we demand a lot of them," said Jim Schilling, director of the school and the camp, "but they are committed and understand the commitment level."
The kids have a dress rehearsal Wednesday. Many have been with the camp for three and four years, said Schilling. The first show of the summer was "Aladdin," and the last will be "Sleeping Beauty."
The campers, ages 7 and up, rehearse from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day. Marty Bongfeldt is the choreographer and musical director for the performance and Schilling the director.
Schilling said the best part is "seeing the whole thing come to fruition that opening night. All of the parents are in the audience and seeing how rewarding the experience was."
"Camp Rock" is based on the Disney Channel's hit series. A new camp across the lake threatens Camp Rock's existence and the campers have to compete in a talent showdown to keep Camp Rock's doors open. The show will include the hit songs "This is Me," "Can't Back Down," "It's On" and "We Rock."
Tickets are $12-$18, and reservations are suggested. For tickets, call Music Theatre of Connecticut at (203) 454-3883 or visit www.musictheatreofct.com.
Have you attended the Music Theatre of Connecticut School of Performing Arts summer camp? What did you like about it? Leave your comments in the box below.
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