It may have been RT Star’s Big Birthday Party, but the real sparkling stars at Riverside Children’s Theatre are always the talented youth who participate in the numerous theater, dance and musical performances at RCT, the educational arm of Riverside Theatre.
“He doesn’t really age; he’s timeless,” Jon Moses, Riverside Theatre managing director said of RT, the smiling star mascot.
The day was filled with free family fun, thanks to a generous gift in memory of Agnes Walstrom from the McCabe Foundation, which has been funding the event since 2000.
Bubbling with excitement, little tots led parents and grandparents under an archway of shiny silver stars, where they were greeted with characters from Miami’s Fantasy Theatre Factory – Mother Goose and a jester towering over the crowd on impossibly high stilts.
Performances took place throughout the day, alternating between RCT’s Anne Morton Theatre and the Live in the Loop outdoor stage in front of Riverside Theatre. Budding thespians and vocalists showcased their multiple talents with performances that lit up the stages – including student performances of The Wizard of Oz and The Wiz.
To make sure everyone stayed busy between acts, there were also hands-on activities, face painting with an interactive twist – giving the audience a say in what was painted, a bounce house, games, balloon artists, food, and even birthday cupcakes and cookies.
Fresh off the stage from the morning Student Showcase Performances were a group of young ladies who represent the full range of talent – acting, singing and dancing.
“The repertory we do here is very diverse, from classical to modern,” said Alex Zimmer, 17, who became involved with RCT four years ago after moving here from Ohio.
“The best part is going up on stage and showing what we’ve learned all year,” said 14-year old Kristi Beckett, who has even performed on the Stark Stage as young Cosette in Riverside Theatre’s production of Les Miserables.
“I love this,” said 12-year old Christina Pines. “It’s worth all the effort.”
“The atmosphere is great; everyone’s a friend. It’s like a big family,” agreed Kathleen Kachaylo, age 14, who is also in her high school’s drama troop.
“I’ve been coming here since before I could walk,” said 16-year old Makenzie Ross, whose mother Nancy Ross is a longtime RCT board member. “You make friends here you would not normally meet, from different schools and age groups.”
“Oh my gosh, they are having so much fun – can you tell?” laughed Kim Beckett, Kristi’s mother. “We had our dance recital Thursday and Friday; that was the culmination of all the dance classes that take place all year.”
Riverside Children’s Theatre offers age-appropriate after-school and summer programs to give children an opportunity to participate both on stage and back stage. Programs include Kinder Classes for ages 2 to 6, Theatre Arts workshops for ages 7 to 17, a variety of dance classes beginning at age 3 and Summer Theatre Camps and Showcases for ages 3 to 19.
