A show-within-a-show is sure to delight as this spring’s Royal Kids Theatre musical.
“Dear Edwina Jr.” is planned for 7 p.m. Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17, in Kids Unlimited Academy’s Kimmel Performing Arts Center, 821 N. Riverside Ave., Medford. A preview for the entire KUA student body and staff is set for 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 16.
This heartwarming musical about the joys of growing up follows plucky advice-giver Edwina Spoonapple, played by KUA fourth-grader Valentina Mejia-Medina. In the role of director for this show-within-a-show, Edwina leads the neighborhood kids in a series of buoyant production numbers for the latest edition of her weekly “Advice-a-Palooza.”
Written by Zina Goldrich (music) and Marcy Heisler (book and lyrics), “Dear Edwina Jr.” features more than 30 characters with such outlandish surnames as “Poshkonozovich,” “Vanderploonk” and “Fleckenheimer.” Twenty-eight KUA students in third through fifth grades — many of them new actors — compose the cast.
“I am so impressed with their ability and willingness to learn about musical theater techniques and the effort they put in at every rehearsal,” said BriAnna Johnson, KUA music and theater teacher. “It is wonderful to see the experienced acting students become mentors, sharing their knowledge and skills with new theater students.”
Standout performances, according to Johnson, can be expected from fourth-grader Marina Sanchez, who plays cheerleader Becky, and fourth-grader Romel Serrato, who plays Edwina’s biggest fan, Scott. Other prominent characters are ballerina Kelli, played by fifth grader Mia Russell, new next-door neighbor Bobby, played by fourth grader Jovani Enriquez and Girl Scout Annie, played by fourth grader Austyn Souza.
Delivering clever, catchy and poignant songs, Edwina and her friends share words of wisdom on everything from trying new foods to making new friends. The show has been characterized as the perfect “girl power” musical for a new generation.
KUA’s theater company spent several months learning choreography, music and acting techniques, said Johnson. Being a part of the theater company gives KUA’s third- through fifth-grade students the opportunity to work together, she said.
Tickets cost $10 apiece and can be purchased at the KUA front office or with PayPal at https://kuaoregon.org/dear-edwina. Doors open for evening performances at 6:30 p.m.
