KEKAHA — There were laughs, flubbed lines, some ad-libbing, a few hams and lots of enthusiasm last week at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center as a group of 30 kids readied for the night’s show. While not a grand-scale production with
KEKAHA — There were laughs, flubbed lines, some ad-libbing, a few hams and lots of enthusiasm last week at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center as a group of 30 kids readied for the night’s show.
While not a grand-scale production with professional sets and lighting and costumes, “Mrs. Mc Gillicutty’s Holiday Talent Showcase and Vaudeville Review” succeeded in entertaining an audience of close to 100 friends and family — not to mention bringing together children ranging in age from 5 to 14.
But a little over a year ago, Westside kids didn’t have the theater outlet that The Westside Story Players currently provides.
Since its inception in October 2006, the company has had about 50 participants. Director Kathie Waldman started teaching acting and singing due to the lack of arts programs on that side of the island. As a lifelong dancer, singer and actress from a family of the same, Waldman is no stranger to performing and directing.
“I’ve retired three times, but the love of it keeps bringing me back,” Waldman said.
Following a number of classes and workshops, as well as the first run of “Mrs. Mc Gillicutty’s” before Christmas last year, Waldman directed a musical adaptation of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” in July — the Westside Story Players’ first major production.
On the key to working with kids, Waldman said, “They need to have fun in a positive environment.” Staying true to that philosophy helps her bring shy pre-teens out of their shells and teach 5-year-olds their lines.
But beyond the entertainment value of an after-school activity, Waldman said arts education offers valuable lessons for children.
“I’m definitely aware of the positive influence it has on their personalities and their ability to perform and speak in public,” Waldman said.
Her students have taken notice, too.
“It’s really fun to express yourself in these kind of ways,” said Zach Peck, 12, who played the stage manager in last week’s show. The acting bug bit Peck, and he’ll be back for more after the New Year, playing the lead role of Danny when the Westside Players perform “WD-40,” a condensed version of “Grease.”
Leah Carr, 10, is also hooked. While both said they were nervous at first, they agreed that the jitters are noticeably less on-stage — and at school when they have to give presentations.
“When I first started, I was not like I am today. I was extremely shy,” Carr said. “Now I just want to be a star.”
After a successful show last week, there’s no down time for the Westside Story Players. “WD-40” runs Jan. 4 and 5 at the Hanapepe Storybook Theatre. Tickets will be available at the box office on the days of the show.
Waldman resumes her regular classes at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center when school starts up. She charges $5 a class but said she’s never turned away a student who couldn’t pay.
For more information about the Westside Story Players, call Waldman at 335-2014 or e-mail locokat@msn.com.
• Blake Jones, business writer/assistant editor, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or bjones@kauaipubco.com
