By Christine Vincent
Hoquiam’s 7th Street Theatre is buzzing with activity. In the lobby, board members and volunteers are working among tables heaped with costumes. A mingling of sounds can be heard from the auditorium. Whispers echo from the seat rows. Stage instructions bellow over the piano score played by Music Director Alex Eddy. While one group of children is practicing a dance scene on stage, others are waiting in seats for their parts as Drama Director Julayne Fleury goes over acting details. Kids and adults alike are preparing for the July 31 premiere of 7th Street Kids‘ 2015 musical, “My Son, Pinocchio.”
Each year, 7th Street Kids offers Grays Harbor-area youth an opportunity to practice theater skills and perform theater in plays such as this year’s 23rd musical, “My Son, Pinocchio,” produced by Grays Harbor College drama instructor, Brad Duffy.
“We give kids a basic theater foundation. They learn singing, dancing, acting and a set of theater vocabulary,” says Fleury. Kids are also taught good work ethics like being punctual, respectful and good team members.
Olivia Nicholson, a 16-year-old Aberdeen High School student, confirms this. This is her fifth production with 7th Street Kids. Her brother Parris is also in the play. “We are a theater family,” she says. Olivia remembers her lack of self confidence when she first joined. “That has all changed,” she says. “I have total confidence on stage now; I love the super dramatic parts. In this show I am a pig who thinks he is a dog. I am also a roustabout. I like the sneaky, creepy dancing. It is difficult but fun.”
Terrance Albert, a 12-year-old Montesano student, is brand new with 7th Street Kids this year. Terrance is a singer. He has placed high in talent shows. The tuition for the 7th Street Kids theater camp was a birthday wish fulfilled by his grandparents. Terrance plays two parts in the show. He is a member of the parent ensemble and he plays the circus strongman. Terrance believes that learning to dance will help his footwork in his dream career of becoming a basketball player. Learning to project his voice will come in handy, too.
Gordon Shaw, 16, gained acting experience in two former 7th Street Kids shows and in Aberdeen High School productions. In his part as Gepetto, the toymaker, Gordon, an intense actor, is touched by the sad moments of the show. He talks about Gepetto’s loneliness and longing for a son expressed in the song “Empty Heart.” Gordon finds acting very character building: “You explore who you are as a person,” he says. After two years of stage fright, Gordon is now much more relaxed. “I do the best I can and don’t worry,“ he says. This attitude will certainly help him in his future; he aspires to be a politician.
Cora Foss, 19, is a 7th Street Kids graduate. This talented lady with the big voice has become a star on Grays Harbor stages. Recently she gave a brilliant performance as Eponine in the Bishop Center’s production of “Les Miserables.” Cora is now continuing her beloved work with the 7th Street Kids as assistant musical director, assistant choreographer and director of the two week mini camp. “Being a director is a lot more work than acting,” Cora says. “But, I love it. I would even do it without pay.”
Some may remember Adam Cooper from the four 7th Street Kids plays he performed in, especially his hilarious rendition of Shrek in 2013. In his role as assistant producer, Adam now spends most of his time behind the stage. “I am responsible for communication. I make sure everybody is on the same page. I also keep the kids in line. When they see me, they know something is up.” Adam’s considerable height certainly helps to instill respect, but his great sense of humor takes the edge of his authoritarian role. Adam is taking drama classes at Grays Harbor College and is pursuing a career in theater.
It takes 5,000 volunteer hours to put together this production. In the nights leading up to the show, you can find people like Natalie Hines busily painting set pieces with her mother Sherri and other volunteers. Everybody is laughing and working hard. This is excellent training in team work. Family ties are strenghtened, the 7th Street Kids mission fulfilled.
Shows: 7/31, 7:30 p.m., 8/1, 7:30 p.m., 8/2, 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $12 adults, $8 students/seniors, $5 children 12 and under.
Info: 7thstreetkids.org.
