Author: bart-n-bob

The first two performances of YATS’s Oliver! were met with standing ovations by the audience. So, with just three performances remaining, it’s time to consider it for yourself. If you’re planning to come along, Friday night is a fine choice — not just because tickets are still available, but because it’s the perfect opportunity to see the cast full of confidence after the opening shows. That said, regular YATS fans will tell you that the second Saturday performance has a special kind of magic. It’s the fourth show of the five-show run, when the cast are at their most polished. It’s also Alumni Night, when familiar faces from past YATS productions such as Shrek, Fiddler on the Roof, Guys & Dolls, Annie, and Grease return…

The wait is over — tonight marks the opening night of Oliver! the Musical. Regular YATS fans will spot plenty of familiar faces on stage, including Pierre, who takes on the role of Fagin this year, who you might remember as the comical Pinocchio in last year’s Shrek the Musical. This year, his portrayal of Fagin is set to be another crowd pleaser (no spoilers!) This year’s production also features 19 young performers taking part in their first-ever YATS show — and they’re so good you can be sure it won’t be their last! Even though we’ve already out-sold our 2024 season, there are still tickets available for tonight’s performance. Don’t miss this chance to share opening night with the YATS family.

Tonight, the YATS cast gathers for the final dress rehearsal of Oliver! Months of hard work, laughter, and late-night rehearsals have led to this moment, and the result is shaping up to be something truly special. Those who saw Shrek the Musical last year will remember Flavia from Lycée Pontonniers whose stunning voice and scene-stealing performance as Donkey brought the house down. This year, she takes center stage again, as Nancy, to deliver a performance that promises to be equally unforgettable. You get the feeling that this is perhaps just the beginning of a remarkable career. Oliver! opens tomorrow night at 8pm — don’t miss it!

Get ready — because YATS’ Oliver! is about to blow audiences away. When the curtain rises this Saturday at 8pm at Le Point d’Eau, Ostwald, you’ll see why everyone is already talking about it. The stage is being transformed into the smoky, teeming streets of Dickensian London, and Ben Bentz and his scenery team have been working around the clock to make it look just like the real thing. Costumes, props, makeup – it’s all taking shape, and it’s stunning. Our young actors are now rehearsing with microphones and full theater acoustics, bringing every note and every dance move to life with power and precision. You can feel it already — this show is going to be something special. One performance is already sold out…

It’s time we took a moment to celebrate the extraordinary energy, talent, and commitment of our young cast. Over the past few weeks, our young actors have been rehearsing tirelessly – learning lines, mastering songs, refining choreography, and delving deep into their characters. Their hard work, creativity, and team spirit are what bring this much-loved musical to life, and we could not be prouder of the journey they’ve made together. Of course, no show could reach the stage without the dedication of the many volunteers working behind the scenes. From sewing period costumes and building sets, to sourcing the perfect props, managing ticket sales, and giving up countless evenings to help – their generosity of time and talent is the invisible foundation of this production….

Shows: Bob’s Gala, Grease, Oklahoma! What are you doing now?“I’m currently living in Paris, where I’ve just started my Master’s degree in Chemistry at the Sorbonne. It’s still very new, and I know it’s going to be challenging, but I’m excited for what’s ahead. I wanted to stay in Paris after graduating, and this felt like the right step forward — it’s a great program, and I’m ready to dive into it.” Are you still involved in the performing arts?“The arts are still a big part of my life. I sing a lot in my own time, often just working through songs I love and challenging myself to keep improving. I play guitar — especially blues, with B.B. King as my biggest inspiration — and…

Dearest YATS friends, Over the next five weeks we will need your help to build sets, sew costumes, cook, load and unload scenery, do hair and make-up, chase props, set the mics and welcome our 500-strong audiences to five performances – so to bring YATS Oliver! to life.    Every year our production requires 100 volunteers or so to make the show exceptional, once again!  With every costume stitched, prop found, drink served, and smile in the lobby will make the night magical for our young actors and every guest. Why this matters: What we ask: How we will support you: This is the moment to step forward as a volunteer.  Whether you are moving scenery, making popcorn, baking cakes, cleaning mics, or assisting actors…