11 Year Old Triple-Threat Stars in Musical

Elly Rokeach has a theatrical resume that is nearly as long as her arm.

At just eleven years old, she’s played leading roles in many musicals including “Hairspray,” “Mary Poppins,” “Bye Bye Birdie” and “The Music Man.” She’s even played Dorothy Gale twice: once in “The Wizard of Oz,” and once in “The Wiz.”

But her current role, in East Bay Children’s Theatre’s production of “There’s No Business Like Shoe Business” is the young trouper’s first professional acting job. And she’s having the time of her life.

“Working with EBCT for the first time has been an amazing experience for me! I’ve learned so much, and my knowledge as an actor has grown tremendously,” she says.

East Bay Children’s Theatre was founded in 1933. For the past eighty-three years, the mission of EBCT has been to bring live theatre to underserved Title 1 elementary schools in the East Bay. The company provides this indispensible service free of charge to the schools it serves. Since that inaugural 1933 debut, they’ve never missed a season, making them the oldest continuously operating theatre company in the Bay Area.

This year, the company is mounting a revival of one their previous hits. “There’s No Business Like Shoe Business,” by local writer Ron Lytle, is a hilarious one-hour musical event for the entire family. The show is based on the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale, The Shoemaker and The Elves, but Lytle has added his trademark twists and toe-tapping tunes to the classic story, to please children and adults alike.

“I play the role of Purrnella, Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker’s cat. I love becoming this fascinating character on stage! She’s so sassy and outgoing; and when the going gets rough, she doesn’t hesitate to stand up for herself and her family. I have so much fun performing as this character. And the kids in the audience adore her, too.”

Since EBCT rehearses and tours during the morning, daytime availability is a must in this mostly adult company. But since Elly is homeschooled, the schedule was perfect for her and her parents allowed her to participate. The experience has not only helped her grow as a performer, but has helped her understand the importance of the EBCT mission.

“Some of the teachers have come up to me after the show and told me that it’s the first time the kids have ever seen any live theater. They thank us for being there. It makes me so happy to feel as though I can give them a gift, and it feels as though they are giving me a gift too, by their appreciation.

“I feel grateful for this opportunity to perform for kids who probably have never seen a musical in their life. That makes me put all my effort and energy into making “There’s No Business Like Shoe Business” a fabulous experience for them.

With dedicated and talented performers like Elly Rokeach in the cast, it’s a sure bet that “Shoe Business” will be a fabulous experience for the entire audience.

East Bay Children’s Theatre presents the musical “There’s No Business Like Shoe Business” (based on the Grimm Bros fairy tale The Shoemaker and the Elves) at JCC East Bay in Berkeley (March 15, at 1:30 and 3:30), and Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette (March 22, at 1:30 and 3:30.) Tickets $12-$15 (Group Rates Available)

For tickets and more information, visit www.ebctOnline.org