By Barbara Morris
In a recent column, I wrote about a young man who loved musical theater but was ashamed to tell any of his peers because he knew they would ridicule him. When I mentioned that problem to my sister, she said, “Maybe someone like that should get involved with 'TADA!'”
That was a new one to me. Since our conversation, however, I have read about TADA!, and, as usual, my sister was right. Now announcing their 17th season, I can't figure out how I missed knowing about it before.
At any rate, here is the scoop – and I hope that particular young man takes advantage!
TADA! is a theater that produces musicals performed by New York City kids 8 to 18 for family audiences. Young people in that age range who want to sing, dance, act, or write a musical, should consider going to one of TADA!'s auditions, which are held in October, January and May.
Those who are accepted rehearse four days a week after school and on weekends. No previous training or experience is required, and there are programs for theatrical education. Those working on the productions with the youngsters are professional directors, choreographers, designers, musicians and technicians.
The musicals are one hour long, and are written especially for TADA!'s young performers and their audiences. TADA! and Artistic Director Janine Nina Trevens have been recognized for their achievements, and have received many awards. They have performed at the White House, Gracie Mansion, Central Park's Easter Extravaganza, and at other special events. Call (212) 627-1732 for tickets ($25 for adults, $6 for children 15 and under) or for details on the auditions. This season there are to be three productions: “The Little House of Cookies” (December-January), “Sleepover” (March through April), and “Wide Awake Jake” (July-August).
TADA! is located at 120 West 28 St., Manhattan. Reservations may be made Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (212) 627-1732.
Or course, some of our schools, libraries and other groups put on musical events as well. For example, Evangelical Lutheran Church or Christ, 248-01 Francis Lewis Blvd., Rosedale, produced a spectacular evening of Gospel music and soul food Oct. 21. The event was very well attended and included several volunteers from The Cornucopia Society Food Pantry.
Isabel Dunbar, who headed the committee and acted as emcee, received well- deserved praise, as did the rest of the folks who worked so hard to give everyone a most enjoyable time.
Pastor Aubrey Bougher opened with a prayer, followed by spirituals performed by the Youth Choir, who are always willing to perform and do so very well – singing from their hearts.
The featured soloist was Sister Dorothy Self, whose well-trained, big voice soon had people clapping along with her vocal messages. Between her performances, Rasheed Bacchus (described by Isabel as “God's gift to us”) sang a beautiful melody for us and (I suspect) especially for his always gracious bride, who was hard at work helping in the kitchen.
It's great to see young people involved in events and activities like this.