'Broadway' captures Disney magic

The Walt Disney Company has created much magic through its films, TV shows, theme parks and other properties. This year's "Way, Way, Way Off Broadway" seeks to capture that magic with Disney as its primary theme.

The "What Dreams May Come" themed "Way, Way, Way Off Broadway" is set for Saturday at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds.

"Disney is everybody's favorite," said Paul DeMeritt, who co-directs "Broadway" with Staci Johnson. "Like when football players come off the field after the Super Bowl, they always say, 'I'm going to Disneyland.' We all have that special childlike place in our heart, and Disney captures that, so everyone agreed that was the best theme (for this year's 'Broadway')."

Previous years have been centered around the Beatles, Elvis and a USO world tour.

"Broadway" is a showcase of local arts community talent. The performers for this year's showcase include groups such as The Acting Company, the Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts, the FCS Players, Jacque's Dance Expressions, the River Valley High School Theatre Company, the Punjabi Heritage Dance Troup, the Borgamaria Lyric Opera, the Sutter North Band and Review and the Creative Light Theatre.

Individual performers include Candee Jensen-Parker, Dahni Piro, Keegan Alan, Kristine Xiong, Jeff Poppinga, Kaylee Poppinga and Alex Cesena.

"This is the best lineups we've ever had," DeMeritt said. "We're in our seventh year, and seven is a magic number. Our opening and closing numbers are total Disney, and those of us old enough to remember shows like 'The Mickey Mouse Club' will definitely be caught up in the nostalgia."

"Broadway's" primary goal is not only to showcase local talent, but for the Rotary Club of Yuba City to award a $1,000 scholarship to an area youth to pursue his or her performing arts goals.

Proceeds generated by the show will also benefit the Sutter Performing Arts Association's efforts to renovate the old Sutter Theatre into a modern performing arts center.

"The great thing (about 'Broadway') is that it's the only opportunity for all artists to come together in one place at one time," DeMeritt said. "With my students at Faith Christian, I ask them what their favorite thing about the school year is, and about half say it's 'Broadway.' They like seeing kids from other schools; they love connecting. We're always doing our own things during the year, so this is a chance for us to strut our stuff."

"Broadway" is also an opportunity to present the Don Award. The Don Award — named for the late Don McCullough, a founding supporter of "Way, Way, Way Off Broadway" — honors someone within the local arts community.

"We've picked a very special person to honor ... who has done a really tremendous service to the arts community," DeMeritt said.

"This is going to be a wonderful evening," he said. "There's something for everyone who likes Disney — whether your favorite Disney movie is 'Toy Story' or 'Snow White' or something else. It's perfect for young and old alike, and a good year for kids."