11th Annual Children's Opera Planned Friday in Clayton

Rehearsals are underway for a children's opera performance and Joplin relief benefit planned Friday at in Clayton.

The show, now in its 11th year, features about 30 children ages 5 to 12, Sonia Beard stated in an email. Beard co-founded the annual event with Davis Place resident Amy Gage, who wrote the script for this year's opera.

The show is titled On the River's Edge, and senior Ben Colagiovanni wrote its music.

Meramec coOPERAtive rehearsals began Monday morning and continue throughout the week, Beard stated. Several high school students are helping with the production.

While the 30-minute show is free and open to the public, donations will be accepted.

"Historically, this annual children's opera has earned proceeds for a wide variety of charities," Beard stated. "This year, all net proceeds will be given to the Joplin School Tornado Recovery Fund."

Money also is raised through a participation fee, capped at $50 per family.

The opera event began in 2001 when Beard and Gage staged a production of Stone Soup, written by the Clayton Family Center's Carol Kaplan Lyss. Gage's two daughters, Beard's two children and about 10 other neighborhood children produced the first show for family, friends and neighbors, Beard stated.

Mothers of the actors will provide backup singing, in addition to helping with costumes, dress rehearsals and snacks, Beard stated. People who have made guest appearances in the past include former Mayor Ben Uchitelle, who performed on the fiddle and danced, former and Mayor Linda Goldstein.

A dress rehearsal is planned Friday at assisted living community in Richmond Heights.

More information and artwork is available on the Davis Place News website.