Auditions for Port Washington Play Troupe's Children's Show "Alice in Wonderland"

Port Washington Play Troupe Children’s Show Reviving, Auditions Set for January

The Port Washington Play Troupe Children’s Show will mark its return after an 18-year hiatus by holding auditions January 7-10, 2013 from 6-9pm at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (9 Carlton Ave., across from the Port Washington Public Library).

The show is an inter-generational Play Troupe program (teens, parents and grandparents welcome) and there are plentiful roles available for performers in grades four and up. Fourth/fifth graders will audition on the 7th, all other ages will be seen on the 8th, and the 9th and 10th are reserved for callbacks.

Director Diana VonRoeschlaub, who grew up performing in the Children’s Show and Port Summer Show, will direct Alice in Wonderland, a stage adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Play Troupe President Pamela Meadows. Meadows specifically adapted the story in 1973 to accommodate greater numbers of young performers. Executive Producer Sandra Ehrlich will lead the production team.

It is the nature of the Children’s Show to look for natural expressiveness, imagination and improvisation skills. There are roles for those with special dance or music experience, but also plenty of opportunities for those who would enjoy being part of a group. The more quietly creative can design or operate puppets to be part of the show.

VonRoeschlaub has vast experience working with children (at the Parent Resource Center, Port Washington and Herricks Elementary Schools, and Hofstra University’s Saturday Series Programs) and says, “I can’t wait to the put the Children’s Show back on the map in Port Washington. This is a remarkable activity that brings families and neighbors together, not only in the audience, but as part of the production itself. It’s all about collaborating across generations, telling a wonderful story, and having fun. I can’t wait to get started.”

Alice in Wonderland will be performed on March 21, 22 and 23, 2013 at the St. Stephen’s Parish Hall. Parents should note these performances coincide with the beginning of students’ March holiday, and they should only bring their children to audition if travel plans will not conflict.

They’ll join a proud tradition that dates back to 1947. That year, Charlotte Merriman, principal of Main Street School, and Elmer Tangerman, supported by Wife Molly and daughter Judith, partnered to create the Children’s Show, which later developed a relationship with Main Street School as a regular venue. The group’s last production, in 1994 (The Emperor’s Tales, adapted by Play Troupe Vice President and current PWPL Media Librarian Tony Traguardo), was so strong it toured to the UK in 1995.

2013 will see the return of this beloved tradition, and the Children’s Show will remain dedicated to staging literary adaptations of children’s classic and original scripts. There will be a moderate fee for participation to cover production expenses. Sponsorships will be available for families in need.

Questions? Contact Play Troupe at PortWashingtonPlayTroupe@gmail.com or (516) 473-6243. Tax-deductible donations (made out to “The Children’s Show”) are gratefully accepted c/o Play Troupe, 59 Edgewood Rd., Port Washington.