By Susan Motander
This season’s Holiday Musical at the Taylor Performing Arts Center, Meet Me in St Louis, opens next Thursday for five performances only. With songs like Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The Boy Next Door and the Trolley Song (Clang, clang, clang went the Trolley), the production is a great way to begin the holiday season.
With a professional cast and orchestra, headed by Director, Andrew Fernando, Choreographer, Paul David Bryant, and Music Director/Conductor, Brigham Freeth. the production promised to be memorable for those in attendance. Equally important is what happens behind the scenes. While headed by a professional stage manager, Martyn Tyler, and Lighting Designer, Jean Yves Tessier. the rest of the crew is made up mainly of local students who are learning stagecraft, a marketable skill. While the audience is enjoying a fun performance, the young people will be busy in their hands-on “classroom.”
The lead role of Esther Smith will be performed by Monrovia resident Marjory Zuk with several familiar faces from previous productions at the Taylor PAC including Elizabeth Hunter, Cody Clark,and Jeffrey Loewen. Other principal roles will be portrayed by Tamara Ashton, Dani Bustamante, Maddie Camp, Donna Nigro, Eduardo Recinos, and Lauren Miacioscia. Perhaps the most anticipated performance will come from Samantha Rily, a Monrovia Student from Bradoaks Elementary School who will be playing the part of Tottie. Her role may be even more challenging in that Margaret O’Brien, who played Tottie in the movie version will be in the house on opening night.
Performances will be at 8 pm on November 20th, 21st, and 22nd , Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. There will also be two matinees, one at 2 pm on Saturday the 22nd and another at 4 pm on Sunday, November 23. General Admision Tickets are $25 with limited VIP seating at each performance for $35. Reduced rates are available for students, children, seniors and groups.Advanced tickets may be purchased at Monrovia Travel located at 401 South Myrtle Avenue or through Brown Paper Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling 800-838-3006. Advanced tickets may also be purchased from anyone on the Taylor Center’s Publicity and Marketing Committee including Kim Petulla, Joanne Spring, Maria Gray, Lani Pedrini, Helen Hernandez, Ella Robertson, Landie Lopez, Kathy Rosenberg, Dinorah Keith, Grace Carpenter, Laurie DeHart, Judy Chen-Ko, or Penny Zuk. Rush tickets in the first row are $10.00 and will be sold on a first come first served basis before each performance. The Taylor Performing Arts Center is located at 845 West Colorado Boulevard in Monrovia, California 91016. Tickets may also be purchased at the Taylor Performing Arts Center beginning one hour before show time.
Kick off your Holiday Season at the Taylor Performing Arts Center in Monrovia with Meet Me in St. Louis.
