DERRY — A cast of 36 spirited young entertainers take to the Adams Memorial Opera House stage to present the musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie, Junior."
Kids Coop Theatre presents the show on March 9 at 7 p.m. and March 10 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Opera House, 29 West Broadway, Derry.
The show is set is the 1920s with Millie Dilllmond just moving to the Big Apple to search for a new life.
The show features Tony Award-winning songs, including "Not for the Life of Me" and "Forget About the Boy."
The show is under the direction of a team of teens and adult mentors, including students Megan Cullinane, John Rodgers and Ben Thomas, along with theater veterans David Ducharme and Donna Tongue.
Megan, a junior at Pinkerton Academy, said she has been part of more than 15 Kids Coop productions.
She has worked with West Running Brook Middle School, Pinkerton Players and theatreKAPOW.
"This is my favorite show," the 17-year-old said. "The music is so catchy and it's very high energy. And I love being in charge, to create a vision in your head and think about how to communicate it to the cast."
Ben said he is thrilled to be directing the show. He also is a veteran of the Kids Coop stage.
"This project has been a great experience," he said. "It's interesting to experience theater from the production side, as opposed to the acting side."
Tongue has worked with Kids Coop since it began in 1997. She said giving students a chance to direct is a great learning experience for young performers.
"Each one of them, full of talent, enthusiasm and the willingness to learn," she said.
Tickets for "Thoroughly Modern Millie, Junior" are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors. They are available at Daren's Music Center, Derry, or at the door on show nights.
For information, visit Kids Coop at kids-coop-theatre.org.
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