This year marks the 55th anniversary of Disney’s The Aristocats.
Cornerstone Community Theater will be doing a musical adaptation of the 1970 animated classic this weekend with “The Aristocats Kids,” featuring a cast of local young performers ranging in age from 8 through12.
“It’s been so much fun to work with such a talented cast,” said director / choreographer Michealle Hoag. “See them shine on stage.”
The fall production of Cornerstone Community Theater is taking place at Cornerstone Church theater at 10948 S. Airport Wy., Manteca.
Performances are scheduled on Friday (Nov. 21) at 7 p.m., Saturday (Nov. 22) at 4 p.m., and Sunday (Nov. 23) at 4 p.m.
Cost is $20 for preferred seating and $15 for general seating. For tickets, call 209.825.1220 or click on to www.cornerstonemanteca.com/theater.
“The Aristocats Kids” will mark the debut of Jonathan Boyer, 8, who is a local second grader. He’s been enrolled in the Cornerstone Theater drama classes and is looking forward to playing the Aristocat character, Toulouse.
“I liked having to crawl into the cage as the villain tries to send me to Timbuktu,” he said.
Samaira Jain plays the prim and proper Aristocat named Duchess.
“I’m the mother of three (kittens) and I have to make them like (my character) and keep them from acting crazy,” said the fifth-grade student from McParland Elementary School.
Carter Gish plays the protagonist Thomas O’Malley, who is a stray cat helping Duchess and her kittens.
“I had to learn to behave in different characters,” said the local fifth grader.
He enjoyed playing the cool cat and bringing attitude to his character.
According to Hoag, the cast and crew have been working on this latest production for the past month.
Other cast members include Violet Flores (Madame), Braden Green (Edgar), Serena Poole (Marie), Jonah Thomson (Berlioz), Aretha Brown (Roquefort), Olivia Robinson (Scat Cat), Tessa McGuire (Amelia Gabble), and Embrie Larsen (Abigail Gabble).
The setting of the play is Paris, where a group of pampered feline aristocrats must rely on the help of street-smart alley cat and his jazzy friends to help find their way home.
Filled with catchy tunes, charming characters, and high-energy dance numbers, “The Aristocat Kids” celebrates friendship and courage, according to Hoag.
She’s especially thankful to the production team of Kristin Scott (vocal director), Becca Larsen (costumes), and Jerry Bradford (set designer).
Lathrop High’s 8 Minutes Left
The Lathrop High’s fall production of “8 Minutes Left” will have several performances this weekend on campus, 647 Spartan Way.
The Centre Stage Theatre of the E.B. Lee play is scheduled for Friday (Nov. 21, 7 p.m.), Saturday (Nov. 22, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.), and Sunday (Nov. 22).
For tickets, click on to https://our.show/8minleft
