LagunaTots tackles local topics with fun energy

From the skateboarding ban issue to the El Morro RV park, kids will be taking the stage this month to laugh about the things that get the city riled up.

“LagunaTots,” which runs May 13 to 22 at No Square Theatre, will feature Orange County kids singing and dancing to original songs written by Artistic Director Bree Burgess Rosen.

This will be the fourth run of the show, which based on the local adult musical Lagunatics.

Besides singing on issues that hit close to home, they’ll also cover topics that kids of this generation are familiar with, such as Bieber Fever.

“I got a slew of e-mails, all girls, lobbying to be in the Justin Bieber routine,” Burgess Rosen said with a laugh.

During a rehearsal Tuesday, teens were getting ready for a routine about their moms being on Facebook. All the songs are set to familiar tunes.

Hayden Kerzie, 12, said he could definitely relate to the topic.

“She’s like checking everything and I’m like ‘Ahhh,’” he said about his mother on Facebook.

Liam Corrigan, 14, said he hopes the production builds up his resume. He’s taking drama at Thurston Middle School.

“It’s a good show,” he said. “It’s very clever with funny songs.”

Burgess Rosen wrote the musical in 10 days alongside Chris Quilter.

“I’m really happy with the material,” she said. “There are a couple of them that I think are a scream.”

There is a song for every childhood woe — from receiving teddy bears instead of gift cards from Grandma, to the dull drone of standardized testing.

“It’s just full of energy and comedy,” said Stage Manager Donna Gee. “All these parodies are hilarious.”

David Green — who was a founding director of the Orange County High School of the Arts and runs Musical Theatre University at No Square — is directing the show. Burgess Rosen also credits Musical Director David Anthony for cultivating a quality production.

Getting the guidance of industry professionals has really increased the value of the experience for the kids, Burgess Rosen said.

Camryn Ostrander, 11, said people need to come watch the show because they’ll definitely laugh.

She said she likes being in “LagunaTots” because she can sing, dance and “hang loose.”

The premiere show is at 7 p.m. May 13.

Tickets are limited. To buy, visit nosquare.org.

If You Go

What: LagunaTots

Where: No Square Theatre at 384 Legion St.

When: May 13 to 15 and May 20 to 22. Times available online.

Information: nosquare.org