Newtown Teens To Perform Shakespeare In 'Classics For Kids' Show On Saturday

NEWTOWN, PA — A group of local kids and teens are putting on an adaptation of Shakespeare's most famous works on Saturday, as part of Newtown Arts Company's "Classics For Kids" program.

The kids, who range in age from six to 16, will perform at the Newtown Theatre at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday. They've spent the past two weeks with Newtown Arts Company "exploring the classic works of Shakespeare, and learning the in and outs of theatre both on and off stage."

“The big thing that I love [about Classics for Kids] is that some kids are not sure if they want to go on stage but then they start teaching them about Shakespeare and it becomes not just about stage time but about acting and the whole process,” costume designer Malloree Neuman said. “They focus on learning about Shakespeare and doing improv… taking it back to the basics.”

Neuman has worked with Classics for Kids for five years. Her son Parker even went from being her production sidekick to now playing the part of the famed Lysander from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

This year’s Classics for Kids show is an adaptation of several of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macbeth — with some updated humor thrown in.

“This place is amazing and the people are great," said Lylah Levy, former student turned production designer. "I love the atmosphere, especially in a place with so much history.”

The Newtown Theatre is the home of the Newtown Arts Company in the heart of the borough, and has an extensive history dating back to 1831. In 1906, Newtown Theatre showed its first movie, making it the oldest continuously operating movie theater in the country.

The now fully-accessible space recently underwent extensive renovations debuted in December.

Classics for Kids participants will get to grace the stage at the newly renovated theatre this weekend, performing on the same stage shared by upcoming professional productions including The Wedding Singer in April and Steel Magnolias in June.

This summer, young people ages 6-14 will have another opportunity to be a part of Newtown Arts Company in the annual Stars of Tomorrow program. Students learn from industry professionals in a camp setting July 11-15.

Tickets for Classics for Kids and all other performances are available online or at the box office.

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