The choir of children have been practicing their lines diligently, to make opening day of the play "The Adventures of A Comic Book Artist" a hit.
They sang: "I want to be an artist, a comic book artist. That's where my heart is, that's the job for me."
The song represents the idea behind the season opener for York Little Theatre, as more than 40 children play artists, business people, superheroes and villains.
Stephen Baker, the 14-year-old Windsor resident who plays main character Stanley Leonardo Sappovitz, said he thinks "this show is good for anyone, not just nerds."
Baker said he has previous experience with theater, and the directors said he "is good at playing nerdy."
Thirteen-year-old Vail Varone said she likes some superheroes, such as the Powerpuff Girls, but not all.
Varone, who plays one of the Fabulous Four, said she took most of her inspiration from a close friend and how she relates to the character.
"Wombat Woman is grouchy but has a kind heart," she said.
New Oxford High School student Alex Wilkinson, 14, said he hones in references from comedy as he portrays Doctor Shock Clock.
"He is the stereotypical villain, who isn't really bad but thinks he is," Wilkinson said.
Deb Thro, the public relations manager for York Little Theatre, said there is a great interest in the genre and the play shows how much fun comic books are now.
There are moral lessons in the genre that lend themselves to teaching children, she said. This play also gave many opportunities to reach out to the community. When YLT did "Charlotte's Web," it was able to incorporate interactive portions for the audience, such as a pie eating contest and a petting zoo, Thro said. "The Adventures of A Comic Book Artist" seems to give similar opportunities.
There are many ways this season opener will be serving the community, through a
For the special needs performance, which is at 3 p.m. Sept. 29, the lights will remain on and a lot of the loud noises will be toned down. The theater wants to give families the opportunity to enjoy the show without the worries of running after children or the need to take them outside, Thro said.
For the mini comic conventions, a lot is in store. During the Saturday performances from 4:30 to 7 p.m., the event will feature activities, giveaways, photo opportunities with superheroes, costume contests during intermission for attendees and vendor booths of local comic book businesses.
Two special presentations also are scheduled: on Saturday, Joe Miller, owner of The Comic Store in Lancaster, will discuss comic book history; and on Sept. 29, local artist Mike Hawthorne will demonstrate the creative aspect of comic books.
Also, keep your eyes peeled around town for the next two weekends, Thro said, as the villains of the play take to the streets to cause disruptions. But all is safe, York, as the superheroes are on the way.
If you go
WHAT: "The Adventures of a Comic Book Artist" children's musical play and comic cons
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday and Sept. 28; 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sept. 29; and 3 p.m. Sunday and Sept. 30. The special-needs performance is 3 p.m. Sept. 29. Mini comic cons will be 4:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sept. 29
WHERE: York Little Theatre, 27 S. Belmont St., Spring Garden Township
COST: $10
DETAILS: Visit www.ylt.org
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