Hoover 4th-Grader is Stealing the Show in Major Musical Production

A Hoover Elementary School fourth-grader is stealing the show in a major theatrical production taking place at Shea’s 710 Theatre.

MusicalFare’s “White Christmas,” which runs through December 21st, tells the story of two performers who served together in World War II and are now trying to save the floundering lodge owned by their kindhearted former commanding officer, General Waverly. Student Arden Kacala plays Susan, the general’s perky, optimistic granddaughter who soon learns to love show business.

It’s a major role for nine-year-old Arden as the character is a significant part of the plot.

“I thought she was a little young for this part,” said Kristen Bentley, Arden's mother. “It’s typically played by a 12-year-old, but she has been absolutely crushing it.”

Audiences and reviewers seem to agree.

“Another audience favorite was Arden Kacala,” writes Anthony Higgins for Buffalo Rising. “Miss Kacala is a fourth grader who has gutsy determination and an instant likeability. She seemed quite at home on stage; she has nice comic timing and was a perfect combination of sweetness and spunk.”

"The real star in this show is Arden Kacala," writes Cherie Messore for Buffalo Theatre Guide. "She’s sweeter than Vermont maple syrup and completely steals the show when she reprises Martha’s signature song 'Let Me Sing and I’m Happy.' Best of all, she sings like a little girl with boatloads of talent."

"And child actor Arden Kacala was every bit as adorable as one would hope for in the role of Susan," writes Michael Rabice for Broadway World Buffalo.

It’s Arden’s first major role, although she previously had a non-speaking part in another MusicalFare production at Shea’s 710 Theatre and starred in a West Herr commercial with Josh Allen. She also studies tap, jazz, hip hop, and ballet at Darlen Ceglia's Dance Project and plays the violin and cello.

At Hoover Elementary, Arden is part of the Safety Patrol, a group of student leaders who help ensure a safe environment at the school, and she is looking forward to auditioning for the Hoover Middle School musical when she moves up to fifth grade next year.

Theater is in her blood. Together with fellow Hoover Elementary parent Kelly Copps, Ms. Bentley cofounded Second Generation Theatre, a very successful non-profit theatre company. Their organization not only produces plays and musicals but also offers numerous educational opportunities for students, many of which take place right here in the Town of Tonawanda.

Arden isn’t the only Hoover Elementary student currently on stage this holiday season. Ms. Copps’ son Milo, who is also in the fourth grade at Hoover, is currently playing the role of Tiny Tim in Alleyway Theatre's "A Christmas Carol." For nine-year-old Milo, who plays football and practices taekwondo, it’s his very first time on stage.

For tickets to MusicalFare’s “White Christmas,” click here.