RITZ STAGE STARZ
Ritz Productions by Kids, for Kids!
Ritz Stage Starz is the highly acclaimed Youth Theatre Initiative of The Ritz Theatre Company, with programming offered all year round! Our 2023-2024 season launches this fall with MATILDA JR.!
RITZ STAGE STARZ 2023-2024 SEASON
ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL JR.
November 10-11, 2023
Grades 2-8
Directed by Liz Mattera
Rebellion is nigh in MATILDA JR., a gleefully witty ode to the the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the “revolting children” who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, MATILDA JR. is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.
REGISTRATION FOR MATILDA JR. IS CLOSED!
SNOW ANGEL: A Play by David Lindsay-Abaire
January 24 & 27, 2024
Grades 7-12
Directed by Robert Repici
Our first-ever Ritz Stage Starz straight play! When the quiet town of Deerpoint, Vermont is hit by the biggest blizzard in 107 years, a mysterious girl named Eva steps out of a snow bank and into the lives of 15 confused teenagers who are asked to help her in her search. What Eva’s searching for — and who she truly is — becomes a mystery that baffles, divides, and energizes the teens of Deerpoint. Told through journal entries and interactions among the students over the course of a single snow day, SNOW ANGEL is a funny and eerie tale of teen angst, discovery, and the power of believing.
REGISTRATION FOR SNOW ANGEL IS NOW OPEN! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. PLEASE SEND COMPLETED FORMS TO RITZSTAGESTARZ@GMAIL.COM!
ANYTHING GOES: YOUTH EDITION
April 26-27, 2024
Grades 2-8
Directed by Lindsey Krier
Music, dance, laughs, and the age-old tale of boy meets girl… ANYTHING GOES: YOUTH EDITION is a wacky shipboard farce featuring romance, intrigue, colorful characters, and a glorious score from Cole Porter. Highlights include: “You’re The Top,” “It’s De-Lovely,” “Friendship,” “I Get A Kick Out Of You,” “Blow, Gabriel, Blow,” and the title number.
2ND ANNUAL RITZ STAGE STARZ SUMMER SHOWCASE
June 19 & 22, 2024
Grades 5-12
Directed by Robert Repici
The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of! An evening defined by budding talent and theatre magic, as our 5th-12th grade Ritz Stage Starz tackle dream roles via monologues, scenes, and musical theatre songs that they’ve extensively workshopped in our intimate Black Box space!
BYE BYE BIRDIE: YOUTH EDITION
August 9-10, 2024
Grades 2-8
Directed by Lindsey Krier
A loving musical send-up of the early 1960s, small-town America, teenagers, and rock & roll, BYE BYE BIRDIE: YOUTH EDITION remains as fresh and vibrant as ever. Teen heartthrob Conrad Birdie has been drafted, so he chooses all-American girl Kim McAfee for a very public farewell kiss. Featuring a tuneful high-energy score, plenty of great parts for kids, and a hilarious script, BYE BYE BIRDIE: YOUTH EDITION remains one of the most popular shows in schools across the country. Hit songs include “Put on a Happy Face,” “One Last Kiss,” “One Boy,” “A Lot of Livin’ to Do,” “Kids!,” and “Rosie.”
MEAN GIRLS: HIGH SCHOOL VERSION
August 16-17, 2024
Grades 9-12
Directed by Robert Repici
Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady and her friends devise a “Revenge Party” to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. Adapted from Tina Fey’s hit 2004 film, MEAN GIRLS was nominated for a staggering 12 Tony Awards. This queen-bee took Broadway by storm and has joined the musical in-crowd. And now, so can you with this high school version!