Some Davis children starring in 'Les Miz'

A handful of Davis County children are taking the stage in a premiere production of a classic Broadway musical.

Kenzie Stinger, Elizabeth, Emily and Alisha Watkins, all of Farmington, and Ethan Swanson of Layton, are cast members in Pioneer Theatre Company's production of "Les Miserables."

Although high school performances of the musical have been performed, Heather Nowlin, Pioneer Theatre Company's assistant marketing director, said the theater's run of "Les Miserables" is the first regional production of the show.

"The only other productions have been Broadway or Broadway touring productions," she said. "We were the first regional theater licensed to perform it."

Five of the six children in the production hail from Davis County. They are part of a 36-member cast.

Eight times a week they take the stage at the Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre, 300 S. 1400 East, Salt Lake City, to star in the popular musical.

Kenzie, 10, and Emily, 10, play young Cosette in the show while Alisha, 8, plays young Eponine and Ethan, 11, plays Gavroche. Elizabeth, 11, is a solo street urchin.

Elizabeth said she enjoys being with the other performers. "It's been a really good experience, and it's so great to work with all the people on the stage," she said.

Alisha agrees. "My favorite part is being with all the other cast (members), and I really like how the costumes are formed and stuff and I like the scenery, it's all really cool," she said.

Emily said it's really fun to sing on stage. "But it's also really fun to get to do it with other people, too," she said.

Ethan said Gavroche is a very fun character to play. I enjoy performing," he said. "I like being on stage. I like becoming different characters. It's kind of fun to pretend to be someone else for a while."

When they are backstage waiting for their turn, the children pass the time by playing games or doing homework.

Kenzie said her involvement in the show is a great experience for her. "It's getting to do what I like doing the most and getting to make new friends and just meeting new people," she said.

Chris Watkins said his daughters, Elizabeth, Emily and Alisha, love performing in the show. "It's been a great experience for them," he added.

Watkins said it is a big commitment for the young performers.