ASHLAND, Ky.

Thursday, December 13, 2001

ASHLAND, Ky. – Excitement twinkles in Randa Collins’ eyes as she stands singing with Randy Blair. Before and after her scenes, she’ll tell you about that excitement.

"It’s amazing the rush it gives me when I walk out on stage," Miss Collins says, looking around at the historic Paramount theater.

The atmosphere feels more professional; she’s meeting lots of new people; and it’s just fun acting, being another person for awhile, she says, the twinkle still in her eyes.

Would she like to make a career of it?

"I would hope, if I’m lucky," she adds with a laugh.

Miss Collins and Blair, along with Ironton High School classmates Andrew Cronacher and Becky Saul, have acting roles in this weekend’s production of "Babes in Toyland" by the Backstage Players.

More than 50 students in 16 Tri-State schools, from kindergarten through college, are taking part in the production – the first student production to be held in the newly-renovated Paramount Arts Center in Ashland.

The players have been in dress rehearsal this week at Normal Presbyterian Church in Ashland.

The production features a host of storybook characters including Humpty Dumpty, Jack Be Nimble, Mistress Mary Quite Contrary, Little Miss Muffet and even a giant spider to name a few.

The holiday classic is under the direction of Jim Maggard.

Cindy Sullivan, a teacher at Summit Elementary School, is the music director.

Marc Baker of Ironton is the orchestra director, who has been involved with local theatre in the Ashland area for many years.

Four Ironton natives – Matt Delong, Patrick Milleson, Brittany White and Teresa Keating – are playing in the orchestra.

For Raceland-Worthington senior Rocky Risner, there’s nothing better than live theater and the Backstage Players, of which he has been a member for many years.

"They think we just come up here and put on a show, but there’s lots of work involved," Risner said. "And this is the most diverse cast (from the most schools) that we’ve ever had."

In fact, the students help organize shows and the group itself, then dedicate many evenings over weeks and weeks of time to perfect shows.

"The group really draws you in," Risner said. "We make everybody feel like they’re part of a family."

Kentucky seventh-graders Justin Munn and Jesse Howard – or Jack Be Nimble and Tom Tom the Piper’s Son on stage – think acting’s more entertaining for themselves than many of those watching.

"I’ve always been interested in it," Justin said. "I think it’s fun except for the makeup."

In fact, he would become somebody else all the time if he could, Justin added with a laugh.

But, don’t the two young actors just like goofing off and calling it art?

"Yeah, that’s pretty much it," Jesse said, laughing too.

They don’t mean it, though. Both jump at the director’s words, find their places and perform with their friends.

"’Babes in Toyland’ rocks and there’s a lot of cool people in it," Jesse said.

But it’s nothing like a school play, he added, looking at the seemingly gigantic stage of the downtown theater.

A special performance of "Babes in Toyland" for area elementary school students will be held at 9 a.m. and noon today and 9:30 a.m. Friday.

Public performances will be held Friday and Saturday at the Paramount, Dec. 14-15, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $7 adults; $4 students and senior citizens at the door.

Backstage Players, which has existed for 12 years, is funded by the Foundation for the Tri-State Community.