By Will Blanchard
Globe Staff Writer
JOPLIN, Mo. —
Directing children in performance is sometimes viewed as a difficult task. Wendy Istas sees it as a privilege.
“Kids are really great if you just give them the opportunity to showcase their talents,” she said.
Istas is directing at least 12 children on stage at once with the upcoming production of “Belles on Their Toes” at Stained Glass Theatre in Joplin.
The production is a stage adaptation of the 1950 autobiographical book by Frank Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, two of 12 children had by efficiency experts Frank and Lillian Gilbreth. A sequel to the better known “Cheaper By the Dozen,” “Belles on Their Toes” takes place in the Gilbreth home in the first six weeks following the death of patriarch Frank Sr.
The children are left alone during this period as their mother, Lillian, goes out to continue her late husband’s work. The children must therefore take responsibility and manage the household.
Though the material sounds dramatic, the production is lighthearted and comical. Left on their own, the kids get into all sorts of trouble, while keeping check on each other.
Naturally, the strictest monitoring comes from the older children. Emma Meek, a student at Joplin High School, plays the second oldest daughter and the book’s co-author, Ernestine. Ernestine’s role as one of the older children, as well as her coming-of-age failed romance make her the closest thing to a main character in the ensemble cast.
“It’s a really fun character because I get to do alot of different emotions,” Meek said. “It’s got the emotional level, but there are really fun parts too.”
Meek, who is involved with the performing arts at Joplin High School both in theatrical productions and vocalist groups says that “Belles On Their Toes” will be her first community theater production.
“I’ve been mostly in high school productions so it’s all been in my age range,” she said. “It’s been great to get to know people of all different ages.”
Melanie Strawn, who plays the comical role of Martha, is an eighth-grade student at College Heights Christian School, and makes her theatrical debut with the upcoming production.
“I’ve always wanted to be in a play before,” Strawn said. “I didn’t know it was going to be so much fun. And the people were really nice.”
Strawn says she has found that being on stage energizes her.
“I just like getting up and acting in front of everybody.”
As a director, Istas hopes that the children she mentors can take this type of desire with them.
“It’s really a part of their education to become involved with theater,” she said. “They learn how to build props, put on stage makeup and turn someone that’s 30 into somebody that looks like they’re 80.”
Istas by trade is a business consultant and accountant, among other jobs with JW Solutions, a company she owns with her husband, Jason. A former owner of a dinner theater in Peoria, Ill., she says that her time in the theater is playtime.
“The neat part about it is that you get to see these kids grow incredibly and have an impact on their futures. What they learn in the theater they will carry with them for the rest of their life. It’s a great opportunity to mold a kid.”
Want to go?
“Belles On Their Toes” runs the weekends of July 29 and August 5. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 with a Sunday matinee of 2:30. Tickets are $8 dollars at the door, $7 in advance. Group discount for group of 10 or more, $6 per ticket. Children between 4 and 13 are $4, children under 4 are free.
Details: 417-62-1982.
