Casting Call Winners Thrill a Packed House
Alhambra Debut for three Young Actors Truly a Thrill for Actors, Parents, Theatre Owners and Crowd
(Jacksonville, FL) – They arrived like stars by limousine and walked down they red carpet like they’ve done it a million times. To more than 100 onlookers, they posed for photos, high-fived the real cast and soaked in their moment. And for three young actors, it was a long day of great moments that culminated when they took the stage for a sold out house at the Alhambra Theatre on January 30 for a guest role in Disney’s High School Musical On Stage.
Joshua Johnson, 10, of Mandarin, Caylin Housley, 13, of Fernandina, and Tasia Bosch, 13, of Atlantic Beach, outperformed more than 100 child actors, dancers and singers in the Alhambra’s first-ever open casting call on Monday, December 28, and they will participate together in an upcoming performance of the Alhambra’s presentation of Disney’s High School On Stage. Open to child performers between the ages of 8 and 14, contestants were invited to demonstrate their own performance strength in front of five judges. The original plan was for those judges to select one winner for a quick cameo, but these three were so talented that they were all asked to perform, and they were actually worked into three different numbers throughout the performance.
Soontaree Jaisin-Simms the show’s choreographer who was tasked with getting the kids ready was impressed with their dedication and their performance. “These guys amazed me,” she stated. “They were asked to do something most trained adult actors would be challenged with, step into a show that is already in production, learn lyrics and dance steps for three high energy songs in just three days. And then they came in here to a full house and nailed it. The worked hard and they pulled it off. They’re passionate, dedicated and really seem to enjoy it. They’re going to go places. They were so much fun to work with.”
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The all three kids live locally and invited their families and friends to the show. Josh had more than 30 people in the crowd, including family who flew in from the Virgin Islands just for the show, his teachers from Jacksonville Beach Elementary School and a host of people from Polly B Dance studio, where he trains. Tasia was surrounded my family and friends, including her mom, Britt, sister, Star and several nieces, nephews and friends. And Caylin came with her family, sisters and a host of friends from Fernandina.
“This was so much fun,” said Caylin Housley, one of the winners. “The cast was so good to us. The Theatre treated us like stars. We were on TV interviews and radio interviews and we had articles about us in the paper. It felt great, and I hope it’s the start of all of our acting careers.”
Craig Smith, Managing Partner of the Alhambra’s new ownership group, was beaming more about his new stars than about the sold out show. “After the first number, when the girls came out through the aisle, they had to walk through the lobby to get back to the dressing rooms. I don’t think their feet touched the ground,” he said. He continued, “This is what I want the Alhambra to be – great live theatre that is part of this community. I cannot wait to say – probably sooner than later -- that Tasia, Caylin and Josh got their start right here, tonight at the Alhambra.”
The show was preceded by a free celebration hosted by the Theatre and Radio Disney. Radio Disney Night at the Alhambra drew a great crowd despite threatening skies and a little rain. The Alhambra’s cast of High School Musical On Stage was on hand to sign autographs and take pictures with their fans. Party attendees enjoyed music, dancing, games and prizes. But when the limo pulled up with that night’s main attractions, all eyes – and screams -- were on Tasia, Josh and Caylin. If kids know talent, they might have found some new idols.
Disney’s High School Musical On Stage runs at the Alhambra Theater & Dining through March 7. Show times are 8:00 PM for evening shows Wednesdays through Sunday. Doors open at 6:00 PM, buffet starts at 6:30 PM. Matinees on Saturday are at 1:15 PM. Doors open at 11:00 PM and the buffet starts at 11:15 PM. Sunday matinee is at 2:00 PM. Doors open at noon and the buffet starts at 12:15 PM. Group rates are available. Tickets start at $42 and include dinner and the show. Call the box office or visit www.alhambrajax.com for details.
