Art Linkletter’s Kids Say the Darndest Things! opens this weekend at LSPA

Published 8:55 pm Friday, November 10, 2017

Contributed

The Lafayette Theatre Academy opened their fall production of Art Linkletter’s Kids Say the Darndest Things! on Friday at LSPA’s LTC Black Box Theatre in downtown LaGrange.

The cast consists of 37 first through sixth grade students, some eagerly taking the stage for the first time.

“Today I grew a pair of wings,” and “my sisters are two ding-a-lings,” are just a few of the “darndest things” that will be heard during this charming, and delightful show. Perfect for any age, guests will not be disappointed by the students of the Lafayette Theatre Academy’s Creative Dramatics class. Children will love the wacky stories and fun songs, while parents will enjoy the lessons that are being taught. “Mind your manners,” “be kind,” and “make believe” are just a few topics covered in this comedy.

Director Carol Cain is a lifelong educator and invests weekly into each student, during her classes at the academy.  Her experience in education and theatre come together in a spectacular way to bring children of different ages and backgrounds to the stage. The show’s musical director, Ms. Janet Powell, has also taken extensive time and care, while teaching the music for this show.

By staging a production this early in the season, students are able to experience the reason for many of the lessons taught in the classroom throughout the year. Though the ages in the academy span from first through twelfth grades, all of the academy members have the opportunity to participate on different levels.  There is a unity that develops when so much rehearsal and preparation time is spent together.

Opportunities often arise for younger students to learn from older or more experienced cast members who, in turn, are learning how to be good role models. Junior high and high school students, also members of the academy, work backstage to provide technical assistance and support for the show.

In addition to the many instructors and staff members of the Lafayette Society for Performing Arts that volunteered their time to this production, each family makes investments in time and support for each member of the cast.  RFCi, Magic Touch Salon and Spa, Capital Investment Services, Nissan of LaGrange, and Children’s Dentistry of West Georgia are all generous sponsors of Art Linkletter’s Kids Say the Darndest Things!

The Lafayette Theatre Company’s Black Box Picnic Theatre allows guests to provide their own food and drinks for a meal before and during the show.  Snacks and drinks are available for purchase prior to the start of the show and during intermission. The house opens one hour before the show begins.

Evening show times are 7:30pm on Nov. 10 and 11. In addition, there are matinees beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.  Individual tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for students, with season tickets also available.

Reserved seating is available for Art Linkletter’s Kid’s Say the Darndest Things! and tickets can be purchased online at LSPARTS.org, by visiting the LSPA offices at 214 Bull Street in downtown LaGrange, or by calling (706) 882-9909.