New Youth Company to Stage 'Little Women' at Lenox Library
 |
LENOX, Mass. — Ralph Petillo has had a vision for some time. After working with what he called "amazing local talent that is on the high school level in this county" through Berkshire Theatre Group, Petillo, the head of the Lenox Chamber of Commerce as well as a renowned actor and director in his own right, wanted to form a new youth theater company that would allow these young actors more opportunity to hone their craft while being paid to do so.
And thus Kids of the County was formed. The new company, made up of high school and college students from the county, will stage an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women," its first production, this weekend at the Lenox Library.
"They will be treated as professionals," he said, "and will earn money for their further education in theater."
Petillo's motivation for forming the company goes beyond its individual actors, however. A part-time drama teacher at Lenox Memorial Middle and High School, Petillo has seen firsthand how precarious the budgets of the county drama programs are.
"I thought it would be good to put a production on in each of their (the actors') schools down the road to raise money for their programs," Petillo said. "I'm encouraging youth to do drama for youth."
As for the choice of "Little Women," Petillo said he chose this work because of its timeless nature and because he saw the characters echoed in his actresses. "I just looked at these wonderful actresses and they just seemed to fit these roles. The strength of these women I saw in my actresses."
Caroline Fairweather, a junior at Taconic High School, will play Jo; Emma Foley, a freshman at Taconic High School, is Beth; Hannah Koczela, a freshman at Hoosac Valley High School, is Meg; and Caroline Sprague, a junior at Monument Mountain Regional High School, is Amy. Petillo was quick to point out that he has outstanding male actors as well. Jake Smerechniak, a freshman at Emerson College in Boston, will play Laurie, while
Jacob Kerzner, a sophomore at Bard College at Simon's Rock, is John.
Fairweather explained why this show is a perfect outing for families.
"Rarely do families get the chance to reconnect though art," she said. "This show gives mothers and daughters the perfect opportunity to slow down and listen together."
"An Evening with Louisa May Alcott and her Little Women" will run Saturday, Dec. 27, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 28, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Lenox Library, 18 Main St. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for those under 17 and may be purchased at the library or at the door. More information can be found on the Facebook page or Ralph Petillo, 413-637-2630.
Tags: local theater, youth,
