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Children's musical celebrates reading by bringing novel characters to life in Vandergrift
More than 23 young thespians from Armstrong and Westmoreland counties are busy rehearsing for the upcoming production of “The Enchanted Bookshop Musical.”
The musical celebrates the joy of reading and is based on the popular children’s play “The Enchanted Bookshop.”
The show is presented by Armstrong Community Theater and will be performed at 7:30 p.m. June 16-18 at the Casino Theatre in Vandergrift.
Cast members range in age from 6 to 13 and are from the communities of Freeport, Vandergrift, Leechburg, Winfield, Ford City, Kittanning, Manorville, Worthington, Cowansville, and NuMine.
“We enjoy performing at the Casino Theatre,” director Cortney Bavera said. “Its venue size is just right for our theater group and productions. The atmosphere there is just beautiful.”
The nonprofit Armstrong Community Theater was founded in 2002 and is dedicated to providing a positive environment for arts and culture.
The theater performs five productions annually.
Courtesy of Armstrong Community Theater Easton Spence (from left), Mrata Wadding and Julia Fabian rehearse a scene from “The Enchanted Bookshop Musical.”Bavera kicked off rehearsals in April and said the show features catchy musical numbers — including one scene with a little singing cat.
“In this day of technology, we hope the audience will find a love for books and the sense of adventure inside of them while reading,” Bavera said.
Julia Fabian, 13, of Kittanning plays Margie.
“I can’t possibly pick just one thing, but I’m most excited to see how all of our hard work comes together in the end,” Fabian said.
The plot revolves around a regular bookstore that transforms into a magical place at night.
A spell from the book fairy allows characters such as Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes and Tom Sawyer to come to life.
The scatterbrained bookstore owner struggles to save her store. When thieves show up looking for a stolen necklace stashed away in one of the books, the plot thickens.
The show runs for 85 minutes, and the musical numbers incorporate jazz and pop tunes.
The performance is suitable for all ages.
Apprentice director Hannah Vaughn recalled performing with ACT when she was a young girl and said recent rehearsals bring back fond memories.
“It reminds me of all of the amazing times I had with kids’ productions,” Vaughn said. “I wish the best of luck to the cast and crew. Or in theater terms: break a leg!”
Tickets are $12 each. They can be purchased in person at Pomfret’s Paint & Variety in Vandergrift, the Worthington Library in West Franklin and Quality Inn Royle in Kittanning.
To buy online, click here.
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