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THE MESA TRIBUNE | SEPTEMBER 19, 2021
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Mesa. “She faces her anger head on by learning to control El Toro Fabuloso, the bull who lives in her stomach, and learns to turn her frustrations into successful solutions.” Young audiences will see a version of themselves in the over-the-top, slapstick characters of Junie B. and her friends. And people of all ages will appreciate the show’s lessons: that everyone makes mistakes, why it’s important to own up and how nobody is ever done learning. Thirteen-year-old Owen Aspinall of Mesa, who plays the role of Sheldon Potts, added, “I like doing theater because I enjoy being part of interesting and funny stories.” “Our goal with this production is to teach the children of our community that it’s okay to make mistakes,” added Chavez. “Even ‘when things go wrong,’ with a little effort, ‘you can make things right.’” “It’s a great opportunity for kids to see that we are always learning and growing – even when it’s an uncomfortable and challenging process,” said Emma England, the show’s choreographer and Limelight’s artistic director. For England, it’s also a chance to show off the sizable talent in “Junie B.’s” small cast. “It’s always such a surprise for audiences when young performers put on a
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We have a lot of visuals going on. “If the venue permits, we have a synced multimedia show. Otherwise, we still do a 90-minute show with a lot of costume changes. It’s a high-energy show. We like to get the audience involved. It’s good for all ages and families.” Before Mirage, Tyler helmed Belladonna that focused on Nicks’ solo career. After 15 years, Tyler and her musicians transitioned into Mirage. “I’ve been playing Stevie Nicks for almost 20 years,” she said. “In Belladonna, I was the only one dressing up and portraying a character. Belladonna is still on our books. It’s a big show. It’s an eight-piece
Young thespians prepare for Limelight Performing Arts’ presentation of “Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School.” (Photos by Zac BonDurant/Tribune Contributor) very strong show,” she said. “The kids in this cast really hold their own and bring so much talent to the stage. I think people will be blown away by what the ‘Junie B.’ cast has created.” Added Chavez, “We have a wonderful group of actors who are as dedicated as they are talented. These kids bring vibrance and life to their characters while showing a level of professionalism that is
band with backup singers and two guitar players. It’s hard to take on the road. It’s more expensive. “But we focus on Mirage now.” Her husband, Bob Weitz, plays the role of John McVie and music director. His day gig is as a Warner Bros. engineer who won an Academy Award for designing equipment. They started their career playing the bar and nightclub circuit but evolved into tribute acts. “Becoming a famous rock start is like winning the lottery,” she said. “There are so many talented people out there on any given day, at any club in LA, there are singer-songwriter showcases and you can hear phenomenal people. You’re wondering why they play there for no money?
well beyond their years.” “In a lot of the other shows I do, I am one of the younger kids in the cast,” said 14-year-old McKenna Henry of Mesa, who plays Mother. “In Junie B., I am one of the oldest, and it’s one of the things that makes this show special. I am having so much fun with the younger kids in the cast.” “Limelight has really changed my life,”
“It’s luck, timing and talent in that order. Talent is the last thing. Anyway, I was asking myself, ‘Am I going to be a rock star?’ Eventually, it became a career.” Tyler explained she does not ever tire of the music. She loves her job and the music. Plus, meeting Nicks is a bonus. “When you meet somebody — whether they’re a movie star or rock star — you have a certain perception. None of us really know these people. We only know what we see. “You hope they’re nice people. They’re warm. I’ve met strangers and a lot of people. She was actually warm and friendly and down to Earth. She made me feel like I was the one who was the star. She sent me to make me calm.” ■
Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak @timespublications.com
said 11-year-old Jaelyn Harden of Mesa, who plays the role of Herb. “With the new friends and the experience, it has been truly magical being in ‘Junie!’” “We wanted to stay true to the time period of the books,” said England. “That means learning the Roger Rabbit and Hammer Time. The kids are absolutely crushing it! Everything in this show features styling from the 90s, including lots of bright colors in the set and costumes.” For 10-year-old Edward Oster of Mesa, there are other bonus lessons. “Acting has helped me get better with diction,” he said. “I love acting because you can pretend you are another character. I also love singing and wearing costumes.” And there are bonuses for England, too, as she directs Savannah and Anna Scales of Scottsdale, who also plays Junie B.. “I love the way Savannah and Anna work together,” she said. “I’ve never seen two kids who are so supportive of one another.” Six weeks since the cast list was posted, Limelight is ready to open the show. “Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School” runs from Sept. 24 to Oct. 2 at the Studio 3 Artspace Theatre, 511 W. Guadalupe Road in Gilbert. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at limelight.ticketleap.com. Limelight is also producing a “Page to Stage” storytime version for young children ages 2-7 and their parents. ■
If You Go... GILBERT
When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 Where: Seville Golf and Country Club, 66835 S. Clubhouse Drive, Gilbert Cost: Call for ticket information
SUN LAKES
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27 Where: IronOaks Country Club, 24218 S. Oakwood Boulevard, Sun Lakes Cost: Visit website for ticket prices Info: ironoaksaz.com
