Jackson Free Press

Jackson's young talent is taking center stage again—all around the metro area. The adults are offering up some performances, as well. Still, the old stage adage advises: "Never try to compete onstage with kids or a dog." So we'll start with the kids.

It's high school-performance season across the nation, and Mississippi's no exception.

Northwest Rankin is wrapping up its run of "Standing Room Only"; Jackson Prep just finished its run of "Stage Door," a show by Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman, directed by Prep drama teacher Morgan Cowart. But don't worry, you haven't missed all the high school shows—St. Andrew's Episcopal School's Upper School Theatre is gearing up for its performance of another George S. Kaufman show (this time co-written by Moss Hart), the three-act comedy "The Man Who Came to Dinner." Performances are scheduled for Nov. 11,12 and 13 at 7 p.m. in the Center for Performing Arts on the Ridgeland Campus.

Over in Vicksburg, even younger performers join forces with their high school acting colleagues. C.S. Lewis' tales of Narnia are brought alive by the youngest members of the Vicksburg Theatre Guild as the group presents the stage version of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Their show will run Friday through Saturday Nov. 12-13 and 19-20 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 14 and 21, at 2 p.m. The bright costumes and imaginative sets create a magical environment, and while the performers taking stage are all quite young, the fantastical tale and colorful characters appeal to audiences of all ages.

Our talented young performers are not just actors—they are also musicians. The Mississippi Girlchoir and Mississippi Boychoir will celebrate their 10th anniversaries by hosting a concert with the nationally acclaimed American Boychoir on Nov. 11 at the Belhaven Center for Performing Arts. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will feature an array of traditional and contemporary music. The night will feature a complete American Boychoir concert. On a few selections, The Mississippi Girlchoir and Mississippi Boychoir will join the American Boychoir.

Founded in 1937 in Princeton, N.J., The American Boychoir is America's most widely touring and frequently performing choral ensemble with more than 175 performances annually. The Boychoir performs with world-renowned orchestras such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic and The Philadelphia Orchestra. Comprised of fifth- through eighth-grade boys, representing 24 states in the U.S., as well as Colombia, South America, and Korea, The American Boychoir offers a unique program of education, musicianship and fellowship for young people. Our own state is represented well, too—the Mississippi Boychoir is made up of approximately 40 boys from more than 15 counties across the state, ages 8-18, who love music and love to sing.

The Brick Street Players are presenting "Cemetery Club" Nov. 12-13, Nov. 18-20, at 7 p.m., and Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. Performed by dedicated community theater actors, this performance deserves the support of the community theater audience. But consider checking out the youth taking stage, too—it's not always the best idea to just ignore a kid who's seriously acting up.