'Broadway Kidz' coming to Draper starting Sept. 9

For the 13th straight year, the Draper community will host a ring of music and dance with the production of "Broadway Kidz Magic." This show, featuring 100 young people ages 5 to 18, runs Sept. 9, 10, 11 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Draper Amphitheatre.

Each edition of "Broadway Kidz" has had a different theme. The "Magic" in this year's show comes from kids who imagine magical things from ordinary objects. One little girl (Avery Pizzuto) has difficulty playing with the other kids, but her imagination proves to be the best of all as she conjures up the gods and goddesses of earth, air, water, night and fire. Led by magical creatures, she has adventures playing in the mud, in nightmares, underwater and outer space.

"Much of the flow is inspired by the popular Cirque du Soleil," said Director Kevin McClellan. Beyond the fun of music and dance, he said the production is a serious educational effort. Some BK participants have received notable scholarships in performance. Some have gone on to earn degrees in dance with their only pre-college training being participation in this annual show. This year, some young people auditioned whose parents met on the Broadway Kidz stage.

Broadway Kidz: Magic is the second theatrical production in the new Draper Amphitheater. The piece is designed to take advantage of the large, pleasant outdoor space, but patrons are reminded that it is September, and to dress accordingly.

Assisting in direction of Broadway Kidz: Magic are Liz Edmiston, Jill Mueller, Rhonda Neiswender, and Jennifer McClellan, who costumes the show and organizes the volunteers. The theatre is located at 944 East Vestry Road in Draper.