12-year-old Brandon performer ready for Rainbow Stage

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/08/2016 (3522 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With nine years of dance experience under her belt, plus eight community productions, Brandon’s own Arianna Laluk already has an impressive resumé — and she’s just 12 years old.

The Grade 8 student has another exciting role to add to her repertoire this summer as she makes her Rainbow Stage debut as a member of the children’s ensemble in “Shrek The Musical.”

“It’s really exciting to see how it’s all coming together with all the music and the lights and all the different things to make the show happen,” Arianna said on Wednesday, the eve of opening night.

After performing as Young Fiona in Mecca Productions’ “Shrek” in 2013, Arianna was excited to find out Rainbow Stage was holding auditions for the summer show.

“I really love the music and the message that we should be who we are,” she said.

Following a successful audition process in October, Arianna was chosen to be a member of the 36-member cast, which includes a 16-member children’s chorus, ranging in ages from nine to 16.

The role meant Arianna had to spend a lot of her summer in Winnipeg for rehearsals, but it’s clear that she’s enjoying the experience.

“It’s a lot of work, but I’ve learned a lot. We spend time every day dancing, acting and singing and those are things I love to do,” she said.

Mecca artistic director Lisa Vasconcelos worked with Laluk in the local group’s production of “Shrek.”

“It is really exciting for our whole community to have Arianna ‘take it to the next level’ in a professional production,” Vasconcelos said in a press release. “She is a very hard-working and dedicated performer. She is heavily involved in our Performance Troupe program, has appeared in many musicals with us, takes voice lessons and is committed to the dance program at Steppin’ Time. She has worked hard to be ready for this experience.”

Arianna’s mother, Joanna Labossiere Laluk, said it has been an exciting time for the family, and they will be proudly watching from the audience.

“We’re seeing her become more and more independent as this process has gone on,” Joanna said. “She’s a great role model for not only her siblings, but for all the kids at Mecca or Steppin’ Time who think going to Winnipeg is too big for me, that if you work hard and you put in the hours that you can accomplish your dreams.”

“Shrek The Musical” opens tonight and runs until Aug. 31. It stars Carson Nattrass (Shrek), Jeigh Madjus (Donkey), Heather McGuigan (Princess Fiona), Peter Huck (Lord Farquaad), Becky Frohlinger (Gingy), Aaron Hutton (Pinocchio), and Nicky Lawrence (Dragon). It is directed/choreographed by Ray Hogg and conducted by Anthony Bastianon.

Rainbow Stage executive director Julie Eccles said it’s always an exciting time to debut a show.

“It’s actually quite lovely in that you’re not following anyone’s footprints,” she said.

Eccles said it is particularly nice to see just how much the children learn and grow throughout the process.

“The children are amazing in how they’ve come together, you can feel their camaraderie, which is so great to see,” she said.

Other Mecca productions Arianna has performed in include “Annie,” “A Christmas Carol,” “Alice in Wonderland Jr.,” “Tarzan,” “Sleeping Beauty Jr.,” “A Christmas Story” and “Seussical.”

“When I did my first show, I really, really loved it, and ever since then I have wanted to do more shows, and it’s just so amazing to do them,” she said.

She is planning to audition for the upcoming “Billy Elliot” show next month. Her ultimate dream is to someday perform on Broadway in New York City.

» jaustin@brandonsun.com

» Twitter: @jillianaustin