Ulitmate Superstar hits the boards tonight

Director of the Ultimate Superstar Kristi Johnson McKay (second from right) give the cast some direction during a recent rehearsal

For months now 56 local children in grades 3 to 8 have been learning dance moves, songs and lines for the latest Starburst Theatrix Children's Theatre show the 'Ultimate Superstar' by Don and Sharon K Turney.

Celebrating the 10th year anniversary the company has taken a departure from the mainstream productions this year and decided to do a Christian-based musical hoping to appeal to families. The Ultimate Superstar is a dynamic and innovative kid’s musical the finds kids rehearsing for an American Style talent show while facing issues of pride and being 'good enough to perform for a superstar' and how to deal with the situation.

Starburst Theatrix Children's Theatre, coordinator and musical director Suzanne Charette also reached out to director and artistic producer Kristi Johnson McKay early in the year asking her to join the team and help bring the vision to reality.

“I really enjoy working with children and they don't have the usual restrictions that adults have when it comes to creativity,” notes McKay.

“They also lack the usual ego issues that some adult actors can bring to the stage. Children are much less inhibited and honest with their emotions and needs. Ask a child to imagine they are doing something and the younger they are, it seems the more absorbed they become in their transformation. They are able to believe wholeheartedly in what they are doing-they are able to do this much easier than most adults.”

“I have worked with children before as a creative dramatics workshop instructor and director for children's Christmas pageants, but I have never taken on 60 kids before so this was a major learning venture for me.”

McKay says like all shows directing can be a challenge and working with children brings on a whole new element but in the end it is a truly rewarding venture.

“The difficulty with working with so many children at once is getting used to the chaos which is inevitable at times.”

“There is however always chaos before a show-even with a small adult cast. It's just a different kind of chaos-and believe me some adult actors can be worse than working with 60 children,” she states.

McKay also notes that Theatrix is a non profit theatre that rely on volunteers and community businesses to help produce their productions. And in return they work with the kids to give back to the community that supports them.

“We do not put emphasis on producing a flashy commercial show. Instead we focus on giving the kids a positive experience where they will be able to develop self esteem, life skills and walk away feeling good about what they have achieved.”

“We do fundraising for kids in need in our community and this year we did a fundraiser where we had a cast party with theatre games, dancing and snacks during the March Break.”

“All (the) proceeds went to a local child, Sydney Stark, who is currently fighting cancer and has a brain tumor. She has to travel many times a month to get treatment.”

The show takes place at Chippewa Secondary School on tonight (Friday, May 7th).
Curtain time is 7:30pm sharp.

Tickets can be obtained at the door or in advance at Creative Learning, Main Street West in downtown North Bay. All seats are $8.00.

Starburst will also offer a musical theatre summer camp for children aged 7-12 this year. For more information on the theatre camp, contact Suzanne Charette at 494-7869.