YOUTHFUL ENERGY
Whether it’s ‘Anne & Gilbert – the Musical’ or two Disney musicals, kids are in the spotlight on The Guild’s stage during 2018 Festival season
Young performers are in the spotlight on The Guild’s stage during 2018 Festival season
Busking on the sidewalk outside The Guild last summer, Luka Hall gazed longingly at the theatregoers lining up to see “Anne & Gilbert – The Musical”.
He had seen the show, fallen in love with it and secretly longed to be a member of the young company.
“I kept standing and staring (at them). It looked like they were having so much fun,” says Luka, who enrolled in The Guild’s Musical Theatre School and was quickly cast in “Seussical (the Musical)”.
Developing theatre skills and performing in front of a live audience was such a positive experience, he longed for more.
“It inspired me to try out for the next level – ‘Anne & Gilbert’,” says the 11-year-old who auditioned for the show earlier this year. Now his dream has come true. Luka plays Paul Irving in the musical about Anne Shirley’s
journey into young adulthood as she experiences her first job, university and her relationship with Gilbert Blythe.
“It’s amazing. There’s so much dancing and music. It puts me in my happy place. And the cast is wonderful,” says the Grade 6 student.
Isabella Butler is another young
performer living a dream this summer at The Guild.
She plays Simba in “Lion King Jr.”. Set on the African savannah, it’s the story of Simba and Rafiki and others as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again. Along with “Aladdin Junior”
the Disney musical plays on selected dates until mid-August.
“It’s really fun. I’ve been wanting to play this role for quite a while, since hearing they were doing live theatre at The Guild,” says the 11-year-old, who enjoys
working the paws of her lion costume.
Like Luka, Isabella worked her way up through the performing ranks, playing minor roles in “Elf” and “Into the Woods Jr.” before auditioning for “Lion King Jr.”.
“It’s really exciting getting a lead role. It’s like everything has led up to this moment,” she says.
Watching as her students are transformed into larger-in-life characters is rewarding, says Lori Linkletter, artistic director of children’s theatre and community programming at The Guild.
“The cast is incredible in both shows. I couldn’t be prouder of (these students). They’ve worked really hard since March.”
These children’s shows are part of the youthful energy spilling out of the halls at The Guild this summer, says executive director Alanna Jankov.
The Guild is celebrating its sixth festival season this summer.
“By far, it’s the busiest. During our peak periods, we are presenting 17 shows per week plus gallery openings and theatre camps.”
Linkletter says being busy is providing great opportunities for her students.
“Some of the cast members have helped choreograph, so the dances are just beautiful. The singing is incredible. So, the shows are worth seeing over and over again.”
On top of the two shows, Linkletter is filling the hallways, spare rooms and corners with theatre camps, starting July 9. Campers will take to the stage on Friday afternoons to show what they’ve learned.
“So, I’m thrilled to pack the building with some very talented youth.”