A new teen-centered theatre company is debuting a bright, high-energy musical production for three days only in Santa Barbara.
Lights Up! Theatre Company is performing its inaugural show Big Fish: The Musical in the Marjorie Luke Theatre at Santa Barbara Junior High School starting April 24.
A special, low-cost preview will be staged 7 p.m. April 24, with three more shows at 7 p.m. April 26, at 1 p.m. April 27 and 7 p.m. April 27.
The all-student cast is directed by Amy Love and will feature dance performances under the direction of Betsy Woyach, choreographer and founder of the Momentum Dance Company.
“There is a quality of working with teen actors where every time they perform, they give it 150 percent, and that energy is so magical to be around,” said Love. “The energy of a teenage performer is infectious. You can’t help but leave the theater smiling.”
The performances in Santa Barbara promise to delight audiences of all ages, and it is offering a professional, full-scale production of the Broadway hit, Love said.
Big Fish: The Musical is a father-and-son tale based on a novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 Tim Burton movie.
“It’s funny, but it’s also touching and the music is terrific,” Love said. “It’s a big musical production… and there’s even a dancing elephant.
“This is the stage version of the story. This is a wonderful production to bring your family,” she added.
Some familiar faces from a strong local talent pool will be seen performing.
Teen Star Santa Barbara 2019 singing competitors Lauren Cantin, a Santa Barbara High School student, and Julia Galloway, a St. Joseph High School student, will be seen among the roles.
