A Free and Fun Activity for Capital Region Kids

Parents often wonder what to do with their kids after they get off the school bus.  Dozens of young people have been walking right into Cohoes Music Hall. But they're not there to see a show, they are the show.

CR Productions' youth group, CR Kids (catch the play on words there? See Our Kids?) is in the middle of presenting "Seussical, The Musical", the broadway interpretation of all your favorite Dr. Seuss stories.

And the entire cast is under the age of 18.

"They get the full costumes, lights, scenery, all same designers and a full put orchestra" says Director Tony Rivera. "They get the whole deal."

And they get it all absolutely free.

Unlike summer camps or some after school programs, there is no fee to participate in CR Kids, which also provides vocal lessons and training in backstage crafts. And tickets to the youth shows aren't even half what they are for CR's mainstage productions. Rivera says they don't do this for the money.

"The important thing, he says, "is building community. Building positive influences in the kids lives and giving them an outlet to express themselves."

Christopher Flaim, of Clifton Park, who plays JoJo in Seussical admits he follows direction - most of the time. But his Mom, Kathy, knows the kind of trouble he may cause is nothing to worry about.

"My son is energized, happy," Flaim says. "He gets all his school work done and there is little time to do much else. He can't really be in trouble."

Even older cast members think it's pretty cool. Like Shenendehowa senior Will Boyajian, who says there needs to be more good things for kids to do.

"I think if there were more programs like this there would definitely be less trouble. The more kids you get involved the better."

The production staff says the kids learn discipline, responsibility, and an appreciation for the arts.

The kids are likely to tell you they're having a blast.

''Seussical the Musical'' at Cohoes Music Hall runs through June 15. Call the box office at 237-5858 for tickets or more information on CR Kids.

If you would like to find out more about the production the CR Productions Box Office number 237-5858 or to visit their website click on the link to the right.