Posted July 23, 2009

GREAT BARRINGTON - Applause Youth Theater Company, formerly known as the Encore Youth Theater Company, will present a talent showcase titled "I Am What I Am" on Friday, July 24, at 6 p.m. at Monument Mountain Regional High School on Route 7.

Applause was launched by Robert Law, co-artistic director and the former director of the Performing Arts Department at Southern Berkshire Regional School District, and partners Kristine Waterman and Charles Coughlin. It has expanded its curriculum to include work on dramatic scripts, both musical and nonmusical; various forms of movement, including hip hop, tap and ballet; and choreographed pieces from Broadway shows.

"I Am What I Am" will feature all students in grades three through nine with a choreographed opening and closing; a scene from "The Sound Of Music"; African/Caribbean drumming and dancing; a serious monologue piece from "The Smell Of New York," by Dan Kehde, a teenager's stirring account of the aftermath of 9/11; several solo pieces from accomplished singers from Broadway shows; and a number of unique versions of various forms of movement and dance, including an original piece for tap.

In addition, the students will present a creative improvisational work called "The Machine, I Am What I Am," a student-written, -cast and -directed sleuth mystery short play. Tickets are $5.

The culminating project for Applause will be "Fiddler On The Roof Jr.," which will be performed Aug. 6, 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 8 and 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 for seniors and students and $10 for general admission. Info: 413-229-2765 or rwl296@aol.com.

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