Christmas is looking promising for Malin Niklasson and Isabelle Flavin.
Barely into the Yuletide season, they’ve already had a wish each come true.
“This is the part that I audtioned for and got it,” said Niklasson who plays a rag doll in the Backstage Youth Performers Society’s production of Alice in a Winter Wonderland.
Flavin, her best friend, snagged the role as a hip-hop elf.
Alice in A Winter Wonderland follows the Alice’s adventures through Wonderland on Christmas Eve. It’s a musical is full of classic songs, lots of dance and subtle humor that is perfect for all ages. The show features 54 young performers from the Lower Mainland.
Being a floppy rag doll is easy for 10-year-old Niklasson, whose been training as gymnast since she was 18 months.
Her skills in acrobatics, contortion and dance also help, especially with a move where she lies on her chest and manages to bend her legs over to place her feet mere inches from her nose.
“I like being on stage and performing,” says Niklasson, who’d like to be a member of Cirque Soliel one day.
“It is fun to perform in front of people.”
Flavin, who is one of five elves in the production, concurs.
“I love acting. It is really fun,” said the 10-year-old.
Flavin auditioned for a role as a hip-hop elf because they “just seemed funny.”
“We are mad elves because someone stole us. We are trying to get Santa to take us back,” says Flavin, whose has been dancing since she was five.
Backstage is a not-for-profit, charitable organization that assists young performers and brings more performing arts experiences to the community.
• • Alice in A Winter Wonderland plays the Terry Fox Theatre in Port Coquitlam Nov. 27, Dec. 1 and Dec. 2. Tickets are $12 for children and seniors and $14 for adults. To purchase tickets, visit www.terryfoxtheatre.com.
