The cast of Sally Sells Seashells (And You Can, Too!).
Salina Smith as Tam singing one of her powerful solos.
A photo of the cheerleaders as they perform one of their songs.
Diana Naserkhaki takes center stage as Sally.
Talented and passionate children from across the Valley worked incredibly hard over the last month to wow audiences this past week with Playhouse Merced’s Summer Stage double feature of “Broadway on the Boardwalk” and “Sally Sells Seashells (And You Can, Too!)” directed by Shane Chase and Zakarias Dimpel-Alvarez.
“In the short time I’ve worked at Playhouse, I’ve learned that kids are really capable of so much more than people often think,” Chase says. “It’s been a transformative experience for me to have the privilege to work with so many talented young people. I’m an actor by trade, so directing was a very new and exciting challenge for me, and I can’t praise my cast enough for making my first time directing such a wonderful and positive experience. We put on a show that all of us are proud of, and Sally Sells Seashells will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Cheers to all the kids who participated in both productions, including: Charlee Warkentin, Finley Milliikan, Colton Rober-James Bruce, Savannah Bruce, Salina Smith, Dianna Naserkhaki, Yvanni Marroquin, Anna Rusu, Angel Sandoval, Alexandra Thompson, Jozy DuChateau, Lucy Lopez, Rose Bayne, Tessa Benavides, Aliyah Reyes, Lilliene Perea, Liv Engstrom, Zoe O’Donnell, Audrey Skunka, Caitlin Robinsin, Harper Klups, Hudson Billings, Paloma Day, Marcella Beltran, Wyatt Lucas, Emma Hauser, Fiorella Gravano, Haanah Ferre Kohr, Hazel Guzman, Kayley Gudgel, Bailey Cole, Marin McAuley, Leeor Sukenik, Lila Bayne, Paisley Millikan, Savannah Rose McMillian, Scarlett Jeddie Ann Reese, Astrid Ardell, Milena Pulido, Annabelle Jonkman, Aubree Najera, Chloe Sheets, Graham Bart, Lawrence Ye, Logan Ye, Tenley Gudgel, Tova Harmelin and Carlos Kai Alexander.
Summer youth programs at Playhouse take in young actors, ages 5 to 12, and they work very hard to put on a whole production in only a few weeks. Although they are quite limited productions, the benefits and joy they bring are here to stay.
The summer stage program is an amazing opportunity for aspiring thespians, artists, and those looking for a space to express themselves. Not only do they get an opportunity to get on stage and entertain their community, but they also get a robust learning experience covering an array of skills that can benefit every walk of life. It is quite the amount of work; these kids are tasked with memorizing lines and blocking, studying a list of songs, learning a variety choreography, and even helping design and craft props as well as decor. On top of that, it is all done over the span of three weeks, which is a tall task for even the most experienced performers. Additionally, it is a genuinely special environment that supports social development and (often) can foster lifelong friendships.
• UP NEXT: “Into the Woods Jr.” for the Summer Stage Teen production. If you would like to see local youth take on one of Sondheim’s beloved stories, mark your calendars for July 27 – 29. More details online at: playhousemerced.com.