Aspiring Young Talent

By Vickie Butler

Integral to the resounding success of The Wizard of Oz with a Todos Twist is the commitment made by the four outstanding children in the cast: Evelyn Urias Velazquez, 12, (Lullabye League, Crow, Polisher); Ella Corinne Park, 11, (Lullabye League, Horse of a Different Color, Winged Monkey); Silvio Carlos Garcia Baum, 11, (Todos the Dog); and Dulce Sofia McRoberts, 9, (Lullabye League & Nikko). Talented, enthusiastic, polite, and intelligent, each of the “kids” has been an inspiration for the adult members of the cast! 

In addition to spending months of rehearsal time after school, the four have been amazing by eagerly learning their numerous roles and truly becoming an important part of cast routines. Need to know where a missing prop is?  Ask Dulce!  Need to cue the lighting guys between scenes?  Have Silvio bark! Need another dancer for the Scarecrow scene?  Get Evelyn! Need a replacement for Winged Monkey?  What about Ella!

Because the “kids” range in age from 9 to 12, the participation of their parents has been critical to their success as actors as well!  In spite of the time commitment as well as the many miles driven back and forth to rehearsals, costume fittings and performances, the following parents deserve special kudos for always being positive and supportive: Veronica Hernandez Velazquez, Andrea Park, Betsy McRoberts, and Paty Baum. 

There is no doubt that the “acting bug” has certainly bitten Evelyn, Ella, Silvio and Dulce!  Plan to see these four on Friday, Feb. 18^th; but know that you will be seeing much of them all in future productions.

Thanks to Laurie Pearce Bauer for these photographs!
baylaurelphotography.com