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Cast members run through a dress rehearsal of “Annie Kids” Oct. 21 at the Community Recreation Center auditorium on Camp Zama, Japan. The group will present three performances Oct. 25 through 27. (Photo by Tim Flack)
CAMP ZAMA, Japan – For the last eight weeks, the crew for the MWR Theatre Group’s first-ever production featuring an all-elementary-aged cast have labored to bring “Annie Kids” to the community.
This week, they’re running through final dress rehearsals of the 40-minute production, hoping to fill the seats at the Camp Zama Community Center auditorium for three nights of performances, Oct. 25 through 27.
Director Cheyenne Valentin-Rivera said she believes the community will be amazed with the performances they see from the 30-member cast of first through fifth graders.
“What the audience can expect to see with this production is joy,” Valentin-Rivera said.
She said the joy will be obvious on the faces of the actors as they bring the play to life onstage. And joy for the parents, crew members and community members who get to see the impact of a community theater group.
And filling those seats and celebrating that hard work is important, she said.
“It’s giving back to the kids who are putting in all the effort to give [back] to the community,” she said.
Valentin-Rivera, who directed the theater group’s production of “Wonka Jr.” earlier this year, said this is her first time directing an entire cast of elementary-school-aged actors.
“I just found it in my heart that this was going to be my purpose,” she said of directing the performance.
The director said it has been extremely rewarding getting to introduce the world of theater to youth in the community, to show them a new form of expression, and to watch them grow through the process.
She said every child who auditioned was put into the play.
“I see so much potential for every one of them,” she said.
Valentin-Rivera also lauded the rest of the team helping to bring the production to the community, including stage manager Brynn Lewis, musical director Jennifer Quilty, and all the other volunteers who have spent their time working behind the scenes on set design, lighting, sound, choreography and every other aspect of running a play.
“These are Soldiers, civilians, parents and community members,” who are uniting to introduce the youth to the joy of theater, she said.
She said the team brought the attitude of the improv-acting concept of “Yes, and” to every other aspect of the production.
“It was, ‘Yes, and what else can I do to help?” she said. “I would not have been able to put on this show without everyone’s assistance.”
Local volunteer Kevin Coleman said he was happy to help.
“I wanted to be part of this production crew because I strongly believe in giving back to my family and community,” Coleman said. “This production offers a unique opportunity to uplift community morale through the joy of entertainment.
“My children expressed a desire to participate, and I wholeheartedly support their interests and passions, as I believe these experiences will help them discover their own talents and aspirations,” he added.
Coleman said the decision to run a play aimed toward younger children offered a great opportunity.
“The experience has significantly boosted the confidence of the entire cast, enabling them to perform in front of a larger audience,” Coleman said. “Their excitement and dedication to making the performance both correct and entertaining are evident in their preparation, [which fosters] a sense of teamwork and accomplishment.”
Coleman said he also highly encourages other community members to get involved.
“Every contribution can enrich a child’s learning experience and personal growth,” he said. “It is our responsibility as the current generation to set the example for the next. Moreover, I find immense joy in coaching and mentoring the kids, helping them realize that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.”
Valentin-Rivera said one of the most exciting aspects will be watching the actors realize what they were able to accomplish, even though they might have started out shy about dancing, singing or simply being onstage.
“These kids are going to be absolutely impressed by the craftsmanship of their own work,” she said. “They took all of what they learned and put that into their craft. These kids could go to Broadway.”
NOTE: “Annie Kids” will be presented Oct. 25 at 5 p.m.; Oct. 26 at 2 p.m.; and Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. Email campzamatheatre@gmail.com to learn how to volunteer.
