The Ukee Glee Kids are getting ready to wow two winter crowds this weekend with performances of ‘Prank Camp,’ written by the Glee program’s co-founder Sarah Hogan.
“This story is about an unusual adventure at a summer camp,” explained Hogan’s Glee partner Courtney Johnson. “Spoiler alert: the camp may or may not be haunted.”
Opening night’s curtain will rise on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 6:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee will start at 2:30 p.m.
The show features a cast and crew of roughly 40 local performers from six-year-olds to adults and Johnson said the rehearsals leading up to the weekend have been a blast.
“It’s really wonderful to watch them learn something new and also come up with their own ideas that they can put into their performance,” she said. “Many of the dance moves, costuming, and songs are their own creative input.”
She hopes to see a big turnout come support the community’s talented young singers and dancers.
“They have worked really hard and they’re really excited to show everyone what they’ve learned,” she said. “I️ think it’s important to support our youth. They’re always excited to see how many people are in the audience before a performance. When they see that there is a large group of people that are genuinely interested in what they’re doing, they truly shine.”
Johnson and Hogan launched Glee in 2012 in an effort to get local kids involved with theatre and Johnson said it’s been an exciting honour to watch the community’s young stars learn how to shine.
“We have new students every year, and it’s exciting to see them having fun and discover an artistic gift they didn’t realize they had,” she said. “It builds their confidence and allows for them to express themselves creatively. We are so honoured to work with them.”