Summer youth theater performances blooming

August has arrived. And you know what that means.

But before we get worked up about the new school year, let’s enjoy what summer still has to offer.

Down at Geauga Lyric Theater in Chardon, multiple young thespians are ready to show what they have been working on for the last several weeks during the summer as GLTG launches their 2018-19 theater season with the annual Skip Kelley Production.

This year’s all-youth cast will present “Legally Blonde” beginning Aug. 3 and running weekends through Aug. 19 at the historic Geauga Lyric Theater on Chardon Square at 101 Water St. For tickets or season passes, call 440286-2255 or visit www. geaugatheater.org.

Skip Kelley was a former tech director and mentor of the youth at GLTG, and Skip Kelley Production always casts young adults.

Based on the popular movie starring Reese Witherspoon, “Legally Blonde” follows the trials of Elle Woods, a beautiful blonde with a degree in fashion merchandising.

Determined to keep and marry her boyfriend who has left her for serious pursuits at Harvard Law, she manages to get accepted at Harvard herself. Hijinks and hilarity ensue in this popular story of empowerment that has become the latest modern staple for many high school theatre groups.

“I love working with young adults and this show is all about someone who isn’t afraid to be different,” says director Trinidad Snider, last seen at GLTG as “Rose” in “Gypsy.” “Someone who defies the odds of while staying true to herself — what an incredible message to give this next generation.”

Snider has previously directed shows such as “Annie,” “Is There Life After High School,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “The Fantastiks,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “Blood Brothers,” so she understands the challenges this particular title poses.

“This musical is actually a lot harder than it looks on the surface,” Snider says. “It would be difficult for an adult ensemble to put together and we are trying to deliver that high quality, professional performance with 26 teens and young adults. To be able to maintain the focus and energy to fully deliver a show like ‘Legally Blonde’ takes drive, passion, and a ton of focus.

Paige Johnson plays “Elle,” Will Piotrowski is her dapper and shallow love interest, “Warner,” and Ethan Peterson plays “Emmett,” Elle’s friend and confidante — just to name a few of the key cast members.

“I have never been in a comedic production before so acting goofy and over dramatic actually presented a real challenge for me,” says cast member Tim Oh. “But through directions and hours of practice, I found what I really needed to make my Down at Geauga Lyric Theater in Chardon, multiple young thespians are ready to show what they have been working on for the last several weeks during the summer as GLTG launches their 2018-19 theater season with the annual Skip Kelley Production.

character shine.”

“This show has been such a positive experience,” agrees cast member Darla Moorman. “It has made me feel so much better and whipped into shape to continue participating in theater. I think I have found my way improving my own performing abilities and am extremely enjoying this summer show.“

Over the next two weeks, this space will profile additional members of the cast. You can catch a performance this weekend and see them for yourself.

Young Thespians is a regular column that focuses on youth in theater. Do you have a production you wish to see featured? Email stevecouch@windstream.net, follow me @StevenRCouch on Twitter or join our “Young Thespians” Facebook group and post your show information.