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Kendall Hook Michael Hook Kendall Luther Brianna O'Brien Samantha Zell

Young thespians rise to help area theater

PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

When Valley Youth Theatre streams its VYTal Affairathon fundraiser on Aug. 21, Scottsdale residents may recognize some familiar faces on VYT’s stage.

Five Scottsdale teens are among the nearly 100 performers who will take part in this year’s eight-hour, Jerry Lewis-style telethon featuring live and recorded interviews and performances from current “VYTkids” and alumni cast members – including stars of stage and screen like Broadway’s Nick Cartell, who recently completed a two-and-a-half-year run as Jean Valjean in the National Tour of “Les Misérables.”

The fundraiser will stream live from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at vyt.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/valleyyouththeatre. Viewers can tune in and out anytime throughout the day.

Kendall Hook, 17, who performed in VYT’s “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Hobbit,” “The Princess and the Pea” and “Matilda the Musical,” was eager to jump on stage and raise money for VYT.

“I would love to be a part of VYTal because I love all the work that VYT has done over the years,” he said. “I have had nothing but amazing experiences working with such talented people.”

His twin brother, Michael, also is excited about the event – not least because he lost the opportunity to perform amid the pandemic.

“I want to be a part of VYT’s 2021 VYTal Affair-athon because I would like to get involved in theatre again,” said Michael, who performed in VYT’s “The Wizard of Oz.” “Covid has taught me to never take anything for granted. As I reflect on the craziness of this year, I now hold the people I love closer and never take anything for granted.”

It’s no surprise that performers from the last three decades jumped at the chance to participate in VYTal Affairathon. It seems the theater has made an indelible impact on many kids over the years.

Valley Youth Theatre has become such an incredible part of my life,” said Kendall Luther, 17, who performed in “A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail” and “They Chose Me!” and now participates in VYT’s show choir, VYTeens.

“I have learned so many things about performing from the incredible artistic staff and crew,” Kendall said. “I love being a part of the VYTal Affair-athon because I want to do everything I can to support VYT and its mission.”

The virtual event replaces the 27th annual VYTal Affair, the theater’s biggest annual fundraiser. It’s the second year the COVID-19 crisis prompted VYT to take the event online, but there are benefits to the online platform.

“Hosting the event virtually gives us an opportunity to showcase the incredible talent in Phoenix to people around the world,” said Bobb Cooper, VYT’s longtime artistic director. “The cast for this fundraiser includes performers as young as 9 years old, seasoned professionals who were in our shows 30 years ago and everyone in between. It’s going to be a day of amazing performances.”

That includes the performance of Samantha Zell, 13, who performed in “Annie” and “A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail” and is a member of VYTweens.

“I enjoy bringing the gift of music to others, and I love to be a part of an organization that brings the gift of music and theater to so many people in the Valley,” she said. “I hope this VYTal Affair-athon brings funds to the theater and joy to many who watch it.”

Most of the performances for VYTal Affair-athon were pre-recorded in July. In addition to vocal numbers, the event will include live Zoom interviews with alumni, multi-track numbers and a few surprise guests.

A highlight of the fundraiser is the 21-year reunion of the cast of West Side Story, which VYT produced at the Herberger Theater in 2000.

Five alumni performers from the original production – Nick Cartell, Katie “Rex” Casey, Chris Ciccarelli, Sharie “Combs” Nievar and Ian Sidden – will come together for a virtual

performance of the powerful “Tonight Quintet.”

Said Cooper, “We are truly grateful for the swell of support we’ve received over the last 18 months. It has touched our hearts and reaffirmed our commitment to inspire young people to be the best they can be – on stage and, more importantly, in life.”

Each hour of the telethon will be hosted by a local celebrity, including Yetta Gibson, Gina Salazar Hook, John Hook, Brad Perry and Carey Peña. The fundraiser also will include a silent auction featuring travel, entertainment, skin care, spa, hotel, food and beverage and dozens of other packages.

“VYTal Affair-athon will jump-start the next phase of Valley Youth Theatre,” said Cooper.

Brianna O’Brien, 13, is thrilled to be part of this next phase.

“Ever since I first stepped into Valley Youth Theatre, I felt a sense of welcoming and I knew I had to be there,” said O’Brien, who performed in “A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail.” “I would love to be able to perform more at VYT and to be a part of more VYT shows in the future!”

Added Kendall: “I am so amazed by what VYT has done to support its community of actors and actresses throughout this past year. Hopefully, we are all able to unite again this year on stage and in person. I cannot wait for what’s next!”

Kendall won’t have to wait long, as the theater just announced its return to live performances. VYT will stage “Spookley the Square Pumpkin, The Musical” from Oct. 1-31. Rounding out

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021 the season are the 25th annual production of “A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Junie B. Jones, The Musical” and “High School Musical.” High-profile performers who got their start at VYT include Emma Stone, Jordin Sparks, Kimiko Glenn, Chelsea Kane, Max Crumm, Matt Dallas, Columbus Short, Nick Cartell and Sam Primack.

For information about VYTal Affair-athon sponsorships, donations or providing an in-kind gift to the telethon, visit vyt.com.

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