Summer with the ARTS

DeltaARTS conservatory wraps with ‘Aristocats’ performance

By DONALD WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

The young stars of Delta-ARTS were busy these past two weeks putting together an incredible production of “Disney’s Aristocats KIDS!” The show, which had performances on July 19th and 20th, was the result of a twoweek intensive camp that ran from July 8-20th.

Under the guidance of producer Amber Meserve, director Sydnei Sutton, assistant director Holland Payne, and stage manager Siddale Weaver, those talented kids worked tirelessly to bring this half-hour show to life.

The camp brought together children from Marion, West Memphis, and Southaven, ranging in age from 5 to 12. In addition to rehearsals for the show, the camp covered a variety of topics beyond just learning lines and choreography. From theatre etiquette to confidence-building exercises, the camp aimed to provide a well-rounded educational experience for the young performers.

“The play was just great. Really great.” said Delta-ARTS Board President Angela Thomas, “It was an excellent opportunity for the kids to be exposed to the arts as well as show off their raw talent. They were naturals!”

Based on the beloved Disney animated film, “Disney’s Aristocats KIDS” was a jazzy and upbeat musical that promised to be a nonstop thrill ride of feline fun. Set in the heart of Paris, the story followed Duchess and her three little kittens as they navigated a caper orchestrated by the greedy butler. With the help of alley cat Thomas

See ARTS, page A2

Performers of the Aristocats went to a two week intensive camp to hone their stagecraft.

Photo by Amber Meserve ARTS

From page A1

O’Malley and his jazz cat crew, hilarity and adventure abounded.

Despite the tight timeframe to put on the show, those kids and crew proved themselves to be true troopers. Their dedication, teamwork, and passion for the arts shone through in every rehearsal and it was exciting to see them take the stage and dazzle audiences with their talent.

The show was the culmination of the 2024 DeltaARTS summer conservatory.

For the show, the students were transformed into a cast of critters.

Disney’s “The Aristocats KIDS” is an adaptation of the 1970 animated classic.

Photo by Amber Meserve

The play was performed by children from Marion, West Memphis, and Southaven, ranging in age from 5 to 12.

Fun fact: A live-action version of “The Aristocats” is currently in production by Disney.