Christian Youth Theater Stages Triple Treat

The Christian Youth Theater (CYT) launches their 2009 Fall Season with three different shows being stages across San Diego County. Bridge To Terabithia opens Oct. 22 is El Cajon. The Secret Garden opens Oct. 24 in Oceanside. Honk! opens a week later on Oct. 30 in Escondido.

CYT is dedicated to developing character in children and adults through training in the arts and by producing wholesome family entertainment. For more information about these shows, and to purchase advanced tickets, call (619) 588-0206 or log on to www.cytsandiego.org.

Bridge To Terabithia

Because it is required reading in many schools, Bridge to Terabithia is a book known to most school age children. When this book first appeared on book stands, it became a top seller and received the coveted Newbery Award for Children’s Literature. The story is about a shy boy (Jesse), the new girl in town (Leslie) and the friendship that blossoms between them as they create their own imaginary kingdom of Terabithia. It’s there that Leslie finds unconditional acceptance, and Jesse finds the courage to be himself.

Besides the roles of Leslie and Jesse there are other great parts such as Jesse’s little sister MayBelle, his teenage sisters Brenda and Ellie, and his parents Mr. and Mrs. Aarons. Other supporting roles are the school bully Janice Avery, Miss Edmunds the teacher, Mr. Turner the principal, plus more than 15 other specific characters with lines and solos.

Oct. 22, 23 and 24 at 7 p.m.
Oct. 24 and 25 at 2 p.m.
Performed at the East County Performing Arts Center, 210 East Main Street (in El Cajon)
Tickets: $12-$17

The Secret Garden

The show starts in far-off India, and then moves to dreary old England. The simple story, written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, is about Mary Lennox, an insecure, selfish, little girl who finds healing and comfort in the rebirth of a secret garden. Born in India, Mary is sent to England upon the death of her parents where she lives in a large house with a wealthy uncle and his invalid son, Colin. At first unwilling to adjust, Mary finally learns that you find yourself when you learn to give of yourself to others.

There are lots of good parts in The Secret Garden. The main characters include Mary Lennox, Colin Craven, Dickon Sowerby and Ben Weatherstaff, the gardeners. Mr. Archibald Craven and his brother, Dr. Craven, Mrs. Medlock the housekeeper, Martha, Susan and Jane Sowerby, their brothers and sisters and more. Chorus parts include Indian Servants, Servants of Misselthwaite Manor, Madrigal Singers and the Gardeners (wait until you see the shovel dance!)

Oct. 24 and 30 at 7 p.m.
Oct. 24, 25, 31 and Nov. 1 at 2 p.m.
Performed at the Star Theatre, 402 N. Coast Highway (in Oceanside)
Tickets: $10-$15

Honk!

Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Ducking, Honk! tells the story of an odd looking baby duck, named Ugly, and his quest to find his mother. This all out musical is a free-range frolic with flocks of duck, geese and swans. This big-honking hit will leave you feeling absolutely EGG-cellent! Come see what happens when Ugly’s feather-flying adventures take off in all directions.

Oct. 30, Nov. 6 and 7 at 7 p.m.
Nov. 1, 7 and 8 at 2 p.m.
Performed at the American Spirit Theater, 1868 East Valley Parkway (in Escondido)
Tickets: $10-$15