Many Locals to Appear in Random Farms 'Cinderella' This Weekend

Megan Kenney, 12, remembers her audition for Cinderella well.

Acting is her first love—she claims to be "sort of uncoordinated" when it comes to dancing. The Bedford Hills teen sang "A Lovely Night," and learned a dance routine for her try-out.

"I was nervous, but my mom reminded me to have fun," said Kenney. "Plus it helped having my best friend there to comfort me."

Her friend, Christina Crowell, also 12 and from Bedford Hills, auditioned the same day. The twosome, who attend Fox Lane Middle School, landed parts in the Random Farms production, going up at the Tarrytown Music Hall Friday night. Crowell will use her gymnastics background, completing a tumble pass across the stage during a "getting ready for the ball" scene, and Kenney will appear as a townsperson.

The production, described as "traditional with a comic twist" by Random Farms Director and Choreographer Alexis Grausz, features several other local youths including Bailey Burke, Michael and Matthew Crispi and Jack Lanza, all of Cross River; Christina Martino of South Salem and Kate Harckham and Kylene Groff of Katonah.

Cast members said to appear in a Random Farms production was to have a professional theatre experience.

"They give everyone a chance to shine there, and though we have fun, it's a serious atmosphere. Some kids who are in their shows eventually go on to Broadway," said Kenney.

That's one of the reasons Kate Harkcham, 13, auditioned. "I want to be an actress on Broadway some day," said the Katonah teen, who recently starred as Alice in the John Jay Middle School production of . She also said Random Farms' shows give her a chance to meet kids from all over the county and New York City. Harckham will appear as a fishmonger and later in the show, as a party guest at the ball, wearing a long blue dress.

Grausz said that the kids who audition for their shows are "extremely capable and ready for a challenge." The company is indeed a first stop on the way to Broadway for many, she added.

"Many of our kids work professionally in TV, film and theater. It is always my hope that, no matter what the experience level of a child, everyone leaves their time at Random Farms feeling like they learned a little bit more about theater and that they were challenged along the way," said Grausz. "We do our best to make sure the kids are having lots of fun and that's what I ultimately believe translates best when you see them onstage."

The performances are Jul. 29 at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., July 30 at 1 p.m., July 31 at 1 p.m., Aug. 5 at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., Aug. 6 at 1 p.m. and Aug. 7 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and children under 12.

For more information visit the Random Farms website and the Tarrytown Music Hall website, or call TicketForce at 877-840-0457.