WPCNR STAGE DOOR From WBT's Allan Gruet May 25, 2005: The Westchester Broadway Theatre, in Elmsford, is presenting the first show in its new series of Young Artist’s Productions, with 3 performances of Les Miserables on Saturday, June 11, Wednesday, June 15 and Saturday, June 18.

The talented cast of actors, all under the age of twenty, have been selected from over 200 hopefuls who auditioned for this inaugural production of the Westchester Broadway Theatre’s newest program aimed at promoting live theatre for the Tri-state area’s younger performers. The Young Artist’s Productions Series gives these talented performers the opportunity to appear in full-scale productions of great Broadway musicals, with full production values made possible by performing at the Westchester Broadway Theatre, New York’s longest-running, year round professional theatre.

 WBT Producer, Bill Stutler, explained that the program came about because of the consistent turnout of wonderfully talented young performers every time the theatre would hold local auditions for one of its up-coming shows.

 “I never stop being surprised at the range of talent we see among the younger actors,” he explained.  “Whenever we audition for a show that has younger kids or teens in the cast, we always have a huge turnout of very, very talented young people.  The problem is that, in most cases, we can only use a fairly small number of them in the show.”

Bill Stutler’s partner and co-producer Robert Funking agrees, adding, “It’s really frustrating to see all this talent and not be able to use them.  Sometimes, like with our current production of “Oliver” we can use more… eighteen, in fact, but most of the Broadway musicals just don’t have that many roles for kids and teens, so what can you do?”

 What Bill & Bob have done is introduce their new Young Artist’s Productions Series to tackle that very problem. The shows are cast completely with actors nineteen or younger, and they will feature performers as young as six and eight years old, when appropriate. The productions are being done to exacting professional standards, from the auditions, through the rehearsals and right up to the performances. All cast members are expected to perform under these standards. 

 “For some of these actors it’s a bit of an adjustment,” said Les Miserables Director, John Fanelli.  “Most of these kids, even the more experienced ones, haven’t had the chance to work in an Equity production or a fully professional facility like WBT.  They need to learn that the attitude has to be different from their high school plays or local community theatre group. That doesn’t mean its all ‘noses to the grindstone’ during the four week rehearsal period. There’s still the unmistakable air of fun and excitement that comes from a group of talented kids doing what they love to do.”

 “Don’t get me wrong,” Fanelli adds, “yes, it’s hard work, but they’re having a great time working like this, and there’s a wonderful camaraderie that has developed among them from knowing that they are all taking a ‘step up’ in their love of theatre by doing this show at Westchester Broadway … and it’s showing in their performances.”

 Performances of this inaugural production of the Young Artist’s Series have been scheduled for a show-only matinee, Saturday, June 11, a dinner & show evening performance Wednesday, June 15 and a final show-only matinee Saturday, June 18. 

 “The 3-performance schedule may change,” says Producer Stutler. “These young actors are the next generation of great performers in our area, and we want as many of our audience members as possible to see them getting their start right here. The reservations are coming in, and we’ll add more performances if necessary.”

Co-owner Bob Funking agrees. “This is a very exciting new program for theatre in Westchester, and we don’t want anyone to miss out on the chance to enjoy tomorrow’s great actors today!”