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"Stuck on These Islands" Offers a Charming Evening of Youth-filled Entertainment

Annual Children's Production at Lake Wales Little Theatre Opens Tonight

Offering a joyful evening that will bring a smile to all who attend, "Stuck on These Islands" is the newest offering of the annual children's production at Lake Wales Little Theatre, opening tonight for a two-weekend run at the intimate theatre at 411 North Third Street..

Lavaughn Williamson

"Stuck on These Islands" features a delightful, imaginary portrayal of the secret life of insects who must overcome their differences to escape from their predicaments.

With a cast of youngsters guaranteed to steal hearts, the play depict a cast of tiny insect who find themselves marooned, requiring them to cooperate in a variety of ways to find their way off their isolated islands. The show offers a fresh perspective on the imagined life of insects, showcasing how the cast of ants, beetles, and fleas become stuck.

Dodging ravenous frogs and other dangers, the cast plots to escape by using a toy rocket they discover. The family-friendly program imparts values of generosity and teamwork while conveying a positive message.

"Stuck on These Islands" is an original musical written by Steve and Mindy Kessler, the show is directed by Kara Wiseman, Mindy Kessler, and Maddison Glockner. The script is filled with clever rhymes in the style of the well-loved Dr. Seuss, offering a world of imagination that the children bring to light.

Narrators Ariadna Acevedo, Jonah Lorton, Layton Cobb, and Ellie Ridgeley propel the story along, providing the audience with context for what is happening and what is about to happen. The set design is simple but effective. Clear and distinct islands and the water that surrounds them transports you into the insect's world. It is a journey that makes you appreciate those around you and how differences should bring you together and not apart.

"The students have learned the lesson of teamwork both in the script and on stage," said Director Kara Wisemen." We hope you will join the ants, beetles, fleas, and frogs for a fun evening at the theatre."

Lavaughn Williamson

The cast of "Stuck on These Islands" offer a charming portrayal certain to bring smiles to the faces of theatre-goes who come to support the efforts of Lake Wales Little Theatre to offer engagement in the arts to all ages.

Now in its 47th season, the all-volunteer theatre has been performing yearly shows for children and teenagers since 1984. These productions serve as a platform for the children to shine, a location for education, and a place where they may be themselves, according to theatre officials.

The cast is divided into teams of bugs. Rylee Pavy, Maggie Glockner, Ari Ridgeley, Luca Fell, and Lilybeth Gammons play the fleas. Tess Kapphan, Embry Smith, Carson Wittman, Avry Barker, Madison Harmeling, Destyne Johnson, and Dyvyne Johnson portray the Ants.

Emery Carpenter, Michael Reed, Aubrey Harris, Felix Lorton, Josee Stoler, and Nickie Rodriguez portray the Beetles, while Ava Stohes, Kyla Watkins, Jackson Ridgeley, Julia Granims, Ennsley Ridgeley, and Reed Kapphan portray the frogs.

Brielle DeVore plays Dewey the Dragonfly.

The show also features an appearance of the Theatre Tots," who were directed by Leslie Grondin and make a lovely appearance at the beginning of the show. Sticking with the concept of insects they tell the story of "The Hungry Little Caterpillar."

Co-director Maddison Glockner says that she was one who grew up benefitting from the experience of theatre at LWLT. Since her passion for theatre began when she was their age, she "enjoys teaching kids to love theater and helping them grow as actors." She expressed hope they grow to love the arts as much as she does.

The 125-seat Lake Wales Little Theatre is located at 411 North Third Street opposite Edward Bok Academy North. To learn more about the theatre or volunteer opportunities, visit the group's website at http://www.lwlt.org or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lakewaleslittletheatre.

Three plays for adults, one play for teens, and one play for children make up the annual program of plays. Reserved-seat single show or season passes are available online at lwlt.org/shows Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays from September 20 to September 29. Adult admission fees are $14, while student fees are $10. Reserved seat tickets are also available in person at the box office, which is open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Auditions for the upcoming production of "The Bold, The Young, and the Murdered," which is directed by David Smith, for people who are eighteen and older take place on Monday and Tuesday, September 23 and 24, at 7 p.m.

 

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