LEEDS — The Leeds Arts Council has transformed the sophistication of theater into the fun and mystery of childhood this summer. Area children participated in two summer theatre camps and produced some laughter, some enchantment and some enjoyable art!

The Youth camp for grades 6-12 taught the kids the art of acting in an updated fairy tale, set design and management, stage make-up  and the use of lighting and sound equipment.

When I attended “Doo Wop Wed Widing Hood,” I must admit I did not know what to expect. Red Riding Hood meets a sock hop? I wasn’t sure. Director Cliff Keen and his performers both surprised and amazed me with the evening I enjoyed. These kids gave it their all and made me forget about every worry and stress around me for a little while. The “Hood” family entertained me and made me want to see how the tale ended! Red, Green and Purple kept me laughing. The “magical” ladies of good and evil were plainly enchanting! The “princes” pointed out how flawed a prince can be and still charm the ladies.

Every young person on that stage had my full attention. They commanded it with humor and human frailty built into their characters! It was a wonderful cast! Thank you for an evening of laughter and simple fun!

The fun had only started as Wed Widing Hood took her bows and exited the stage.

This past weekend the elementary theatre camp transformed the stage into a classroom for grown-ups! “How to Eat Like A Child and Other Lessons In Not Being A Grown Up” placed the children in charge of reminding their audience why childhood is grand! Showing your friends chewed food is more than an exercise in bad manners! It’s fun to see the reaction!

This cast of real characters reminded me to not say “no” just because it’s easy. These kids reminded me how I thought my mom sounded talking to me and my son’s eyes told me he often felt the same way about me! I left with a healthy dose of laughter in my system. I had also lost a little of the edginess being a grown-up sometimes requires. The kids had reminded me to stop and enjoy some plain, simple fun.

My son attested to the fact their lessons on how to torture your sister were on target tried and true methods! With a few props, a few wooden boxes and the unfettered joy of what being a child is all about in the first place, director Mike Bridges brought out the natural talent in a large and varied group of talented youngsters. They sang their hearts out because they live the storyline everyday. I hope to live a little more myself guys! Thanks for reminding me.  

Soon the LAC will premier “Oliver!” beginning July 15 at  7 p.m. I’ll be back in my seat to again be transported by the LAC to another time and place.



– Karmen Payne is a staff writer for The Leeds News. She may be reached at news@leedsnews.net.