Fifth-grader Kendra LeFave debuts June 8th at the American Music Theatre
By Eddy K. Foster, Staff Writer, KennettTimes.com
Unionville fifth grader Kendra LaFave and Octorara Elementary School fifth-grader Jeremy Beveridge are part of the youth cast of “Music of the Night: Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber” at The American Music Theatre
LANCASTER — When the curtain goes up on June 8th, a new star will be born in a couple of neighboring school districts. Unionville Fifth-grader Kendra LeFave and Octorara fifth grader Jeremy Beveridge will be playing the part of the Magical Guide as part of the youth cast of “Music of the Night: Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber” at The American Music Theatre in Lancaster.
Kendra LeFave, who attends Unionville Elementary School, explained, “The show is a collection of songs from shows that were written by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The shows author and director, Andrea McCormick, has a lot of neat lighting and theater surprises for the audience. Some of the songs are more famous than others but all of them are really good. My favorites are the songs from ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ and ‘Phantom of the Opera’.”
This is LeFave’s second show, as she previously appeared as Clara from the “Nutcracker” at the American Music Theatre’s 2010 Christmas Show. “I am in the Youth Ensemble and have a vocal solo in ‘Music of the Night’. I am also the understudy for The Magical Guide. Jeremy Beveridge is the regular Magical Guide. It’s my job as his understudy to know all of his part in addition to my part in the ensemble. If Jeremy can’t perform, I need to be able to jump into his role at anytime. I do get to be the Magical Guide for the Wednesday shows starting June 8,” LeFave said.
When asked about her balance of schoolwork, Kendra expressed her need to carefully balance her time. “At times it gets stressful and chaotic not only for me but my family. We work together to organize and prioritize things so I get all my school work completed and turned in on time. Sometimes I have to miss my softball practice or game but my teammates are very supportive and we have a lot of fun when I do get to play,” LeFave explained. She also takes regular dance lessons at the Chesco Dance Center in Avondale.
Octorara fifth-grader Jeremy Beveridge, who plays the Magical Guide as well, agreed. “My teachers have been very supportive and understand when I miss their classes. I did miss my school chorus concert because it was the same as opening night of the show and I was disappointed about that,” he said.
Both Kendra and Jeremy plan to be in more shows in the future, including this year’s Christmas show at the same theatre. “I hope to do many more shows in local theatre and hopefully become a professional entertainer singing and dancing,” LaFave explained.
“Music of the Night” is a show that is good for the whole family. It is on stage now and runs until July 1, 2011.
In addition to the above children, a third “area student” is currently a member of the youth cast in American Music Theatre’s Music of the Night. Miss Meredith Fox recently completed the 6th grade at Octorara Intermediate School. Kudos should be given to all of the cast members in this entertaining show, as all have dedicated their time and talent for this Andrew Lloyd Webber tribute.