Ovation Theatre Company’s production of The Aristocats Kids hits the Ovation Studios stage next weekend. This colorful musical features a talented cast of young performers. In the heart of Paris, a kind and eccentric millionairess wills her entire estate to Duchess, her high-society cat, and her three little kittens. Laughs and adventure ensue as the greedy, bumbling butler pulls off the ultimate catnap caper. Now it’s up to the rough-and-tumble alley cat, Thomas O’Malley, and his band of swingin’ jazz cats to save the day. Based on the beloved Disney film, and featuring a jazzy, upbeat score, The Aristocats Kids is a non-stop thrill ride of feline fun, complete with unbelievable twists and turns.
Charlotte Van Ledtje plays Duchess. “She’s very proper – very elegant. I love playing Duchess, because she’s very different from other characters (she’s played). She’s different from me, so she’s a little bit of a stretch to play.”
Crosby Curtis (Thomas O’Malley) enjoys getting to move like a cat and points out that his full name is Abraham De Lacey Giuseppe Casey Thomas O’Malley. “He’s just kind of wild. That kind of fits my personality.”
Charlotte Latour plays Scat Cat. “No matter what’s happening, they’re always going to be cool. I love ‘Everybody Wants to be a Cat.’ It’s the iconic song of the show.”
Cooper Jean describes his character, Napolean, as a “fierce leader. I love being able to march with my friends – the dog brigade.”
The Aristocats Kids is directed by Jenna Sullivan, with Music Direction by Michaela Horan and Choreography by Ryan Kaplan and great support from Stage Manager Maddy Buchanan.
The youth cast is drawn from all over southern and eastern New Hampshire: Cooper Jean, Ella Kearns, Alice Kevorkian, Charlotte Latour, Ally Nicholas, Hailey Penta, Lily Tessier and Eden Timinski of Londonderry; Arabella Olivia Clark, Lyra Dominguez, Morgan Haverty and Mirabel Welch of Derry; Levi Freilich, Mackenzie Ryan and Sarah Snyder of Hampstead; Gianna Benoit of Salem; Aliyah Gunawan of Manchester; Clara Curtis and Crosby Curtis of Brentwood; and Charlotte Van Ledtje of Durham.
The Aristocats Kids will be presented on Friday, March 29 at 6 and 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 30 at 1, 3 and 6 p.m. at Ovation Studios (61 Harvey Road, Londonderry). Pre-sale discounted tickets are available through 3/22 for $10 and then go to $12. Tickets are on sale at OvationTC.com.