It’s going to be a summer to remember under the stars for South Delta actor Linden Smith.
The 16-year-old, actor, dancer and singer has been cast in the adult ensemble of Mamma Mia, which runs on alternating evenings along with Disney’s Newsies in Stanley Park with Theatre Under the Stars.
Mamma Miaopened July 9 and Newsies on July 10.
Smith said he was looking for something different this summer.
“I wanted to be a part of something in the theatre and a friend of mine suggested Theatre Under the Stars,” said Smith. “The theatre being outdoors really interested me because you have to deal with all the trials and tribulations – rain, different lighting. So I thought why not go out and audition and even if I didn’t get picked it would be a fun audition. I auditioned for both and when I found out I was in Mamma Mia I was ecstatic. It’s going to be a fun summer.”
Smith has attended Theatre Under the Stars as a fan and last year volunteered with the company.
He said TUTS brings with it a unique set of challenges.
“One of the first big differences I noticed during rehearsals is that we don’t have control over the lighting,” he said. “We have to change our blocking to match the day and then in the second act when it gets darker, we can use the lighting, so adapting to that and things like the weather is very challenging. The show must go on as our director says.”
Smith has been singing, dancing and acting his way across the stage since he was seven-years-old.
He has performed with Gateway Theatre in Wizard of Oz (Munchkin) and several Delta Youth Theatre productions including Little Mermaid (King Triton), Annie (Daddy Warbucks), Beauty and the Beast (Beast) and Mary Poppins (Mr. Banks).
He has also volunteered as a teacher helper in many musical theatre classes. He is very proud to be a part of Perry Ehrlich’s Showstoppers. Some of his favourite moments were being able to fly in the Flying song when he played Grandpa Joe in Willy Wonka and singing on stage with the band Foreigner.
TUTS is at Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park. Tickets, $30 to $55, are available at www.tuts.ca or by calling 604-631-2877.
