Showbiz kids pay tribute to motherdaughter team

It’s an unlikely chorus line: a row of young performers, decked out in everything from overalls to flapper dresses to “Star Wars” stormtrooper regalia.

But the varied costumes suggest the scope of “Dance Wars: A Tribute to Our Friends Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher.”

The musical revue will be staged Friday at Ron Decar’s Event Center. But the show’s true home is the Broadway West studio on South Pecos Road, where Susan Swanson — who knew both Reynolds and Fisher — teaches singing, dancing and acting.

Among the lessons 12-year-old Annie Walters has learned while playing Reynolds’ “Singin’ in the Rain” role of Kathy Selden: “In her movies, she kept up the energy level so high.”

The Broadway West students display a similarly energetic approach as they bounce through a number from “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” where 13-year-old Macey Shackelford delivers Reynolds’ dialogue: “I’m sure you’ve heard of me — the gal who went from rags to riches. I like riches better.”

After the “Molly Brown” number’s rustic heartiness, it’s time to blast off to a galaxy far, far away with a choreographed “Star Wars” scene.

“Places,” Swanson calls. “Do all of you have your (light)sabers? … OK, let’s go. Energy!”

Moving to the stirring strains of John Williams’ “Star Wars” music, the kids perform somersaults, cartwheels and stage-combat choreography before ending the number, light sabers held aloft.

Throughout the rehearsal, Swanson keeps a critical eye on her young performers, directing them to repeat one dance sequence when their steps don’t pass muster.

“It is not hopscotch,” Swanson instructs. “Fifth position is fifth position.”