Alcott opens season April 11 with ‘Hansel and Gretel’

Alcott Arts Center will have a young look as it opens its 13th season April 11 with a musical production of “Hansel and Gretel.”
The cast is age 8 to 19, and they’re from all over the metropolitan area, including some from Kansas City, Kan., and Bonner Springs.
It will be the first time Alcott has presented its own musical production, said Chris Green, Alcott executive director.  While some associated groups have done musical-type productions before at Alcott, the Alcott hasn’t before presented its own, she said.
“The kids are having a wonderful time and are excited to open in a week and a half,” Green said.
The musical is directed by Katya Woolard, and will run at 7 p.m. April 11, 12, 18 and 19 at Alcott, 180 S. 18th, Kansas City, Kan. Admission is $8.
A student art exhibit will be held in conjunction with the Alcott opening. The art exhibit opens at 6 p.m.
The young artists are from Wyandotte County, she said.
“They’re really talented kids,” Green said. “I was really impressed with their artwork at such a young age.”
The cast and crew of “Hansel and Gretel” include:
Hansel – Dakota Garrison
Gretel – Elise Allee
Witch – Katia Marie Arians and Victoria Gerardy
Father – Colin Arians
Mother – Victoria Gerardy
Villager 1 – Harley Carolus
Villager 2 – Bailey Allee
Villagers – all cast
The Crow – Harley Carolus
Animals – Alex Allee, Daniel Garcia III, Zoe Green Lockwood, Xavier Najera, Bailey Allee
The Good Elf – Alex Allee
Elves – Harley Carolus, Daniel Garcia III, Zoe Green Lockwood, Xavier Najera, Bailey Allee
Co-director – Jennifer Coates
Production crew:  Peggy Arians, Joselyn and Robert Carolus, Daniel Garcia Jr., Mia Garcia, Georgina Green
Set Design: Chris Green
Lyrics of “Hansel and Gretel” are by Malcolm Brown, script and score by David Barrett, and the production is by arrangement with Yellowbrick Publications.
A community grant from the Kansas City, Kan., Board of Public Utilities is helping to fund programs at Alcott this year.
For more information, visit www.alcottartscenter.org or call 913-233-2787.