All the world’s a stage

From staff reports

Beatrix Hills, a 13-year-old actor from Suttons Bay, won’t just get to perform in the play “Ugly, A New Pop Musical”—which is based on Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Ugly Duckling”—she and other youth actors get to write, direct and choreograph the show.

“Ugly” will run on July 31 at 11 a.m. and Aug. 1 at 2 p.m. at the Traverse City Civic Center amphitheater. Tickets for the two performances are “pay what you can.” The recommended price is $15 per person.

The show for up-and-coming thespians is part of Youthquake, a new, year-round education program by Parallel 45 Theatre, aimed at middle school and high school students, grades 7-12.

“Youthquake offers an ensemble-based training program that culminates in an original performance of a new musical,” said Parallel 45 director of education Stacia Sexton. “It’s going to be so cool!”

Parallel 45 brought back actor Daniel Lendzian, who starred in the plays “Stupid Bird” and “Hair” in 2019 to teach acting skills, movement, and voice.

Beatrix Hills played a small role in the company’s performance of “Little Bunny Foo Foo” two years ago, and that got her hooked on acting.

“I think it’s extremely important for kids my age to interact with others,” said Hills. “Acting is a great way to have fun reading a script and learning, and having a one-on-one experience with others. “Acting is an important form of expression. All kids should try it.”