It began as a vehicle for two recently graduated North Delta sisters and their friends to take to the stage and continue their love for musical theatre.
Three years later, KP Productions, founded by Karina and Kazandra Pangilinan, can boast they’ve not only presented four quality shows, but raised more than $6,000 for charity.
And they’re far from done.
Next week they’ll present A Little Musical about Little Women, a revamped, tuneful version of the classic Louisa May Alcott novel Little Women. Funds raised during three nights of performances will be donated to The Centre for Child Development, which provides specialized services to children with special needs and their families.
The student company’s past three shows, Pride and Prejudice: The Musical, The Musical Importance of Being Earnest and last spring’s A Midsummer Night’s Musical all benefited B.C. Children’s Hospital. But after doing some volunteer work at the child development centre, Kazandra and her sisters decided to re-direct their fundraising efforts.
“We decided it’s a nice change and it’s more local,” said Kazandra, 20, who’s in the director’s chair this time around.
The production involves a cast of 18, including two other Pangilinan sisters: 19-year-old Krystyna as Beth and Klaryssa, 17, in the ensemble.
Other lead actors include Whitney Millar as quick-tempered Jo March, Shayla Hastings-Williams as Meg, Kyla Pires as Amy.
Based on the novel, the musical follows the story of four sisters and their growth, struggles and blessings as they travel from childhood to adulthood.
Added to KP Productions’ version, however, are musical favourites, such as “16 Going on 17” from The Sound of Music, “Consider Yourself” from Oliver and “Singin’ in the Rain” from the musical comedy of the same name.
While challenging, pulling together musical productions hasn’t been entirely unnatural for the Pangilinan sisters.
“Music has always been a big part of our lives,” said Kazandra. “All my sisters and I, we all play piano and we have had music lessons and we’ve taken musical theatre in elementary and high school.
“In Grade 12, it dawned on me that unless we were professional there wouldn’t be that much opportunity to continue in productions.”
And so KP Productions was born.
The non-profit theatre group usually mounts their productions in May, when school is ending and time demands aren’t as heavy. This is the first year they’ve tackled a December show. With the cast – comprised of university and high school students – engrossed in school projects and exams, the timing has been challenging.
“I thought it would be easier because we had most of the summer to learn most of the dances – and we did,” said Kazandra. “Then during the school year, we only had Saturday or Sunday, depending on when people are available. It’s just this last month we’ve been struggling to find time.”
But the show must go on and rehearsals, usually in the Pangilinan living room or garage (weather permitting), are coming to a head.
The shows are always family oriented, but the holiday timing of Little Women, Kazandra says, is especially perfect.
“It’s all about counting your blessings and being with family.”
A Little Musical about Little Women comes to North Delta’s Seaquam Secondary theatre, 11584 Lyon Rd., from Dec. 28 to 30. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation at the door, with all money benefiting The Centre for Child Development.
For more information, check http://kpproductions.jimdo.com/