Getting time on the main stage

Jackson Bell

Danny Park loves to perform, whether he’s singing, dancing or acting.

That’s why Park, 16, a junior at Burbank High School, decided to

try something new, and accepted a role in the school’s Vocal Music

Assn. production of the musical “Once On This Island.”

The musical -- the high school’s first in six years -- plays at 7

tonight at The Colony Theatre, 333 N. 3rd St. Tickets are $12, $10

for students and seniors.

“This is different for me, because I’m used to singing and

dancing, but not used to acting in character,” Danny said about

playing Daniel, one of the musical’s lead characters. “Acting brings

it to a whole new level.”

Based on a Trinidadian novel, the plot is centered on the

character Ti Moune, a young peasant who rescues and falls in love

with Daniel, the son of a wealthy aristocrat.

Brett Carroll, director of the Vocal Music Assn., said the Colony

Theatre allowed the organization use the venue since the high

school’s auditorium is undergoing renovations. Carroll added that the

use of a professional space is appropriate for his troupe.

“I’ve produced and directed professionally before, and so many of

these students are already at that level,” he said. “This is an

exceptionally talented group.”

Kaity McGuire, 16, who plays Ti Moune in tonight’s performance,

said the experience has exercised her other performance “muscles.”

“It has given us something else to work on and a new skill to

learn,” she said.

For tickets and more information, call 558-4700, ext. 1227.