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02/24/2013 11:00 PMCLINTON - Clinton's Kidz Konnection will be the first group to perform in the newly revamped Andrew Memorial Town Hall auditorium, performing Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach this weekend.
The family friendly show runs Friday, March 1 at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 2 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 3 at 2 p.m.
Kidz Konnection Founder and Artistic Director Laura Attanasio says the group is excited to be the first to perform in the renovated auditorium and to show off the children's skills, which they have been working on for about two months.
"One of the things that make it interesting is that we're the first production in the newly renovated auditorium. It's really, really beautiful. There are brand-new seats, the floors are all redone, it's all painted, all the curtains are brand new, and the whole area has just been completely updated, but it still has its historic integrity so folks are going to be very happy with it," Attanasio said. "Folks can expect the usual, traditional show from Kidz Konnection...James and The Giant Peach is a very touching story about loss and how we can cope with loss through our ability to have a great imagination and the kids have really embraced that. They're all very touching to watch on stage."
Kidz Konnection is a youth-based theater company that offers classes in improvisation, musical theater, television news reporting, and acting and projection. Attanasio recently expanded her productions to include the Shoreline Actors Collective, consisting of teenagers.
Residents can expect a "delightful adaptation" for all ages to enjoy. All together, 60 children will perform. Attanasio said she decided to double-cast these shows, with 30 kids in the first two productions and the other half performing in the last two shows. On the nights when the 30 children are not playing as the main roles, they'll be performing as townsfolk, giving all the children an opportunity to be center stage.
Perhaps the most exciting parts of this show are the costumes and stage design, Attanasio said.
"The costumes this year are unreal...Visually, it's going to be a stunning show," she said. "When I take on a production, it's not just about putting a play on stage, it's really an art for us as directors."
The subject of the play led her choices in creating the set.
"It's more of a visual abstract set this year and the reason I'm going that direction is because James, when he goes on a journey on a peach, it's always a question...'What is he doing?'" said the Attanasio. "Is it in his imagination on this peach, or is he really on this journey? So to really believe it, I didn't want to have this realistic set, I wanted it to be the audience making that decision about what is James doing...The audience is really going to fall in love with all these visuals."
She also noted that although this is not a musical, there will be some music for residents to enjoy with the production.
To reserve a seat, call 860-227-2363 or email llwa@yahoo.com. The cost for premium seating is $15, adults advanced general admission seats are $10, and seniors and children under 12 pay $6 for advanced general admission. All seats are $12 at the door. For more information, visit www.kidzkonnectionct.com.