My daughter and I had the pleasure of attending How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying presented by the Roxy Theatre Group on its gala opening on Saturday, Feb. 18.
Since my children have been part of Roxy’s children’s programs for years, Roxy always feels like a second home. I take every opportunity to share my love of theater with my young daughter.
Theater not only opens children to a different medium of expression, but also exposes them to a whole different world where imagination thrives and grows.
The play, starring actors from ages 12-22, was a wonderful treat. The cast was superb at both the musical numbers as well as bringing forth the comedic timing and mischievousness of the characters.
A bonus was hearing the recorded voice of Danny Pino, star of Law & Order: SVU and a former Roxy kid, as the author of the book giving advice to the main character.
Joel Acosta, 16, played J. Pierrepont Finch with impish delight as a man taking every opportunity to get ahead in the corporate world. Lauren Cote, 18, who played Rosemary, demonstrated Rosemary’s devotion and cleverness with a delightful balance.
Veronica Diaz, 20, whom I have seen grow in acting and dance skills over the years, was hilarious as the sarcastic Smitty Smith. Corey Vega, 18, was wonderfully slimy as the arrogant and entitled Bud Frump, nephew of the company’s president.
Charles Sothers, Roxy staff member and theater arts director, looked years older under the layers of makeup as the bombastic J.B. Biggley, president of the company where Finch is quickly getting his name, F-I-N-C-H, known.
Sasha Mangarre-Rodriguez, 18, got many laughs as the outrageous airhead Hedy LaRue while still maintaining her likability.
The cast and orchestra of 70 students are comprised of actors, dancers, singers and musicians, ages, 12-22, representing over 25 different schools and colleges in Miami-Dade County. The production features a collaboration with the Greater Miami Youth Symphony, a youth arts program dedicated to training young musicians, ages 5-18.
Guests at Saturday’s gala included Dr. Marta Perez, MDC Public Schools, Board Member, District 8; Harriet Carter from the Office of Congress Woman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen; Commissioner Elsa Vazquez, City of West Miami (also a Roxy mom, son Brando Perez, is a veteran summer camper); Maria C. Machado and Josie Bacallao from the Office of MDC County Mayor Carlos Gimenez; Emily Cardenas, Sr. Communications Manager from The Children’s Trust; The Miami Review; The UM Hurricane and journalist; Mayte Padron, best known for her former work as the Producer/Reporter for WPLG's Special Care Force.
Comments