The Sooke Youth Show Choir has changed its name to the Sooke Youth Theatre Company to better reflect its program and will be getting off to a fresh start in the new year by staging Beauty and the Beast JR.
Based on a French novel from 1740, the Disney movie took off in 1991, winning numerous awards and giving way to a renowned Broadway show three years later. SYTC most recently presented Newsies JR in June 2024, and the young actors and their directors have been eager to get back into the theatre in a big way.
Tanis Cortens (15) has been with the group since 2020 and is playing the doting Mrs. Potts, a very different character from her previous role as the feisty Katherine Plumber in Newsies JR. “This may be the most challenging show I’ve done yet. My directors and castmates have pushed me to do my best and have supported my growth as a performer and a person throughout the rehearsal process.”
Toria Ayres (14), who has been cast as the endearing but conflicted Belle, is brimming with enthusiasm. "I've really enjoyed learning with the Sooke Youth Theatre Company. The directors are amazing and they've all been working so hard. This is my third show with them and my first as a lead role and I am really excited to be part of it."
Ma’ayan Levy (Lefou) will return as dance captain to support his fellow actors in the various choreographed musical numbers, this time joined by dance partner and veteran of SYTC, Eve Clark (Cogsworth).
Having acted together initially in Wizard of Oz in 2015, musical director Emily Anderson and artistic director and choreographer Sage Easton have been teaching side-by-side since 2019 and are enthused to once again oversee a group of tight-knit performers act, dance, and sing in this energetic and entertaining production.
The show takes the stage on Jan. 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on Jan. 26 in the Society Theatre at EMCS. Tickets are $20, $12 for youth 15 and under, with a family pack offered for $64 (includes 2 adults, 3 youth).
They can be purchased at https://www.sookeyouththeatrecompany.com/, https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6518737, or by cash or tap at the door.
