EPAC to Spotlight New Musical Theatre Talent in Kids' Cabaret Tonight

Ephrata Performing Arts Center is shining the spotlight on its next generation of musical theater talent in a Kids' Cabaret at 7 p.m. tonight, Sept. 28.

Thirty-one youths, ages 6 to 16, will be showcased in a program of Broadway duets, solos, a youngsters-only number, ensemble pieces "and a couple of surprises" under the direction of EPAC veteran actor/director, Tricia Corcoran.

Corcoran, most recently lauded as the lusty hotel proprietor in Night of the Iguana, also won accolades for her direction of EPAC's annual Kids4Kids production of Seussical, Jr. in 2010.

"The abundance of young talent here at EPAC is amazing," Corcoran said. "I think people will be surprised at the level of professionalism and polish they will see."

Corcoran, who fielded a cast of more than 50 kids in the popularly acclaimed Seussical, Jr., modestly minimizes the task of shepherding and shaping a huge cast of youths.

"The kids really make the rehearsal process enjoyable," Corcoran insisted. "We (she and musical director/accompanist Paulla Lied and 17-year-old stage manager/guest performer Austin Trynosky) have been working from 1 - 5 on Sundays and 6:30 - 9:00 on some week nights with no or very short breaks, and there is no complaining, just hard work and enthusiasm. Even the littlest ones maintain a positive attitude even after 4 hours of rehearsing. I am really impressed.'

Tickets are $15 for everyone with reserved seating. Reserve seating online at ephrataperformingartscenter.com or call (717) 733-7966.

Pictured: Scene from EPAC's 2010 production of Seussical Jr.

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