NJ kids tackle a new theatrical rock ballet

A new kids-only production of Over The Rainbow is set to premiere at Franklin High School in Somerset, NJ this Saturday, September 24. Directed by choreographer Marlowe Scott, the full-length, one-of-a-kind rock ballet presents kids from diverse backgrounds dancing to timeless pop songs in modernly-branded costumes.

Scott is known for his varied work in the dance industry. After training at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and The Ailey School, he danced in Europe as a backup dancer, in the Off-Broadway dance drama Thin Line and in multiple music videos.

For this theatrical rock ballet set on the students from Center Stage Dance and Theatre School (where Scott first began dancing), he brought onboard the assistance of Stephanie Klemons, current dance captain/swing for Broadway’s smash hit Hamilton. Klemons is known for her work on the original Broadway production of In The Heights. She’s also recognized for helping Andy Blankenbuehler create Bring It On: The Musical.

Scott and Klemons worked with the young cast to create a fresh twist on The Wizard of Oz story. The production follows a modern-day Dorothy as she dances in Red Dr. Martens boots on a journey to discover the Unpredictable Oz. She encounters the Poised Glinda dancing en pointe and soon thereafter stumbles upon the Mighty Munchkins, the Fearless Scarecrow, the Magnetic Tin-Man, the Fiery Lion, the Mesmerizing Witches and the Evil Monkeys.

Earlier this year, the cast of Over The Rainbow presented a preview at Broadway Dance Center’s 6th Annual AIM Invitational. To now see the full production, book tickets to Saturday’s show at www.overtherainbowkids2016.com. It promises to inspire viewers as the kids dare to take on their fears, insecurities and doubts and confront overcoming obstacles and challenges head on.

Images courtesy of Megan A. Oduyela of The PLK Law Group.