It’s a lovely labor of love, this summer camp. Now in their seventh year, directors Kara Pascucci and Devin Clarke undertake the arduous task of herding cats — uh, directing children in a stage performance.
With about one jillion kids running around in a darkened theater, each with his or her own personalized questions, it’s a testament to the dedication of these self-described best friends. The results are, as always, lovely.
This year, the team of youngsters is taking on the tale of “Shrek Jr., the Musical,” with the help of assistant director Jenn Mixon-Eick and a handful of theatrically experienced teenagers from Marathon High School. The plot follows the DreamWorks film pretty closely, with a few adaptions making it suitable to the stage. (For those who have been living under a rock, or boulder: “Shrek leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek Jr. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.”)
“The program teaches the kids to run a show,” said Jeanette Gierula, MCT’s general manager. “But the whole community comes out for the shows. These kids are really funny, really good actors. I’m always surprised by the town’s talent — from the youngest kids all the way up to the adults.”
The show is Friday and Saturday, July 20-21. The curtain is at 8 p.m., and doors open at 7 p.m. for refreshments. The production lasts two hours, with an intermission. Get your tickets now ($10 each), because it’s selling out. Call 305-743-0994 or visit marathontheater.org.
