LYT excited about returning to the stage

Nearly two years after the curtains closed on “Elf, The Musical,” Lexington Youth Theatre (LYT) is ready to hit the stage again with a production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Their first play, since the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, will be held Friday, November 5 through Sunday, November 7. at the Edward C. Smith Civic Center, 217 S. Main St., in Lexington. Showtime for Friday and Saturday are 7 p.m.; Sunday is 2 p.m.

As is the case with many organizations, companies and businesses, LYT has had to alter how they interact due to COVID-19.

“All students, actors and directors were masked and distanced,” said Debbie Phillips, LYT board member. “In the past, we have often had large numbers of students audition for shows like Wizard of Oz. Our cast is much smaller this time. We have 33 actors in Wizard. The positive to this is that our directors are able to spend more time working with acting, singing and dancing skills! Our actors and directors are masked during all rehearsals, and we have parent volunteers who stay the whole time, monitoring and constantly disinfecting and sanitizing the restrooms and common areas. We also try to distance as much as possible.”

In March 2020, LYT was preparing for its spring production of “SHREK.” Cast and crew were nearing their tech week when stay-at-home orders began. With a cast of 51 participants including numerous seniors, disappoint funneled throughout the group.

“We were in the midst of SHREK and were two weeks from opening when we were shut down by the pandemic,” recalled Carson Shoaf, who plays the Cowardly Lion in ‘The Wizard of Oz. “I was saddened by the fact we wouldn’t be able to do the show, and we had no idea if we would ever be able to perform SHREK together. Unfortunately, we were never able to [do the production], and many of the SHREK class graduated. It wouldn’t feel right to do the show without them. We can’t get the time back we missed performing together.”

As life continued to be upended for many, uncertainty loomed. To keep LYT members engaged, President Nita Jarrett would post on the group’s Facebook page and send emails to those on the distribution list. Workshops were also taught by director Jordan Beswick.

Last fall, LYT members had an idea. Saddened by the fact they hadn’t been able to perform in nearly a year, they approached the board of directors with an idea: a variety show.

“We knew we had to keep it to a small group and be extremely careful by masking and staying outdoors, so we had a small group audition virtually with several songs and performances of their choosing, and ‘We Need Some LYTght!’ was born,” shared Phillips. “The actors visited local businesses and filmed themselves promoting and talking about the great businesses in Uptown Lexington, and these were inserted throughout the production. We were able to use an outdoor barn venue for the filming, and we held the virtual event on YouTube and our Facebook page. After so much time without live theater, the kids were thrilled.”

Also thrilling for LYT is the fact that half their cast for ‘The Wizard of Oz is new, including Katy Smith in the lead role as Dorothy. Additional lead roles are Brayden Daugherty as Scarecrow; Issac Jenkins as Tinman; aforementioned Shoaf as Cowardly Lion; Emma Peters as Glinda the Good Witch; and Rachel Huneycutt as the Wicked Witch.

At the Edward C. Smith Civic Center, COVID-19 protocols will be in place. Phillips noted the venue will post notices for all attendees to wear masks, and LYT respectfully asks all who attend to honor this request. “We are trying painstakingly to keep our actors COVID-free and healthy throughout the production,” Phillips said.

Additionally, LYT will have a table in the lobby to raise funds for Charlie’s Champions. Founded in 2021, the foundation helps families with children fighting childhood cancer.

With less than a week left until the curtain reopens, Daugherty believes anticipation is running high and the actors are ready to put their hard work on display. “I believe that everyone—cast, directors, directors and hopefully, our audiences— has been super excited to get back to seeing our youth theatre up and running again!”

Tickets for ‘The Wizard of Oz are available online at www.lexingtonyouththeatreinc.com. Reserved seats are also available online. 

*Lexington Youth Theatre has been producing live theater for children for 36 years and receives no regular outside funding. Its goal is to help as many children have the opportunity to perform onstage as possible. All donations are from their generous community, but because of the halt in live theater due to the pandemic, funding has dropped substantially. LYT would greatly appreciate your help in teaching kids about performing on stage. Donations can be made on the website.