Brightest stars on Main Street

FALLS VILLAGE — The 25 members of the cast of “Showstoppers!” obliged a visiting reporter who barged into their lunch break on Thursday, Aug. 13, and belted out a version of “I’m the Greatest Star” from “Funny Girl.”

Somebody named Barbra Streisand did this number once upon a time. You may have heard it.

But she might as well be named Mathilda Clumpp now, because the Falls Village Children’s Theater company’s version cannot be improved upon.

The children, ranging in age from 6 to 16, sang in tune, in time, in close harmony, and with vigor and panache.

Director Michael Berkeley explained the premise of the show, which is that 25 characters from musical theater productions such as “Funny Girl,” “Peter Pan,” “Anything Goes,” “Mary Poppins” and “The King and I” are all taking a break in the tropics, and all are called upon to sing the showstopping number from their respective shows.

“All the characters think they are the star of the show.”

The cast is in the middle of an intense rehearsal schedule — five days a week, four-plus hours per day.

The children come from as far away as Millbrook.

With choreographer Heather Holohan, they are learning different dancing styles — tap, jazz, Rockette stuff.

With Berkeley, they are projecting their voices and singing three- and four-part harmonies.

And the kids are being taught about high standards.

“We’re going to impress the audience,” said Berkeley. “It’s not going to be just a bunch of cute kids up there.”

Performances are at the Center on Main, 103 Main St. Dates are Friday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 22, at 2 and 7 p.m.  

Tickets are $5 (students) and $10 (adults) and are available to purchase from a workshop student, at the door, or go to www.FVCT.org to purchase online.