Student Musical to Benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

This weekend, head to to see 37 of the most talented young singers and dancers (ages 8-18) in the St. Louis metro area put on their musical revue, Bring on Tomorrow (titled after one of the songs in the program). The Arch City Theater Troupe (ACTT), directed by  student Sally Lemkemeier, is putting on the show at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings, with a matinee at 2 p.m. Saturday.

"We have two weeks of intense practice to prepare for the show," Lemkemeier said. "It's a lot of fun, and we're also getting a lot of work accomplished at the same time."

"I am totally blown away and impressed with their professionalism," said Deena Goran, a Burroughs teacher and the ACTT sponsor at the school.

There is no charge for admission, but donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation are welcome, either directly or through participating in the bake sale, flower sale, raffle and blind bid that will be taking place outside of the auditorium before and after the performances.

"It's the two biggest things in my life—diabetes and performing—coming together," said ACTT member and student Stephanie Patton, who also has Type 1 diabetes. "It means so much to me for my best friends to come together and do what they love for this cause."

Alex Prakken, the musical director for this show and a recent Burroughs graduate, has been with the ACTT since it started in 2005, when there were only nine performers practicing in a living room.

"It's really staggering to think about how much this has grown," said Prakken, who will attend the University of Michigan this fall. "It's continued to be a group of really talented kids who love musical theater and want to use their talents to help people."

The show's program features a variety of musical numbers, including "At the Ballet," "Children of Eden" and "There's No Business Like Show Business."