New York City of the Roaring Twenties comes to Chula Vista

Take a trip back in time to the Roaring Twenties in New York City, a place filled with lively flappers, dashing leading men and a dragon lady of a villainess who you’ll love to hate.

Christian Youth Theater San Diego’s South County program is thrilled to present “Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr.,” a vibrant musical that will have you dancing the Charleston. Based on the 1967 film of the same name, “Thoroughly Modern Millie” opened on Broadway in April 2002 and featured hit songs such as “Gimme Gimme” and “Not for the Life of Me.” The production later won six Tony Awards and five Drama Desk Awards, including the win for best musical at both award ceremonies.

Directed and choreographed by Joshua and Amanda Pontsler, the production will run at Mater Dei Catholic High School Theater (1615 Mater Dei Drive, Chula Vista) May 27-29. All seats are reserved and ticket prices are $17 online and $19 at the door. For tickets visit www.cytsandiego.org or call 619-588-0206 for more information.

The musical tells the story of young Millie Dillmount (18-yer-old Vanessa Orozco from Otay Ranch High School) who sheds her country girl image for a modern flapper look and escapes to New York City from Salina, Kansas, determined to marry her wealthy boss —whoever he may be. She takes a room at the Priscilla Hotel for Women and gets a job as a stenographer at the Sincere Trust Insurance Company where she meets Jimmy Smith (15-year-old Liam Galleher of Chula Vista High School), an apparently unsuccessful paper clip salesman.

Add the hotel proprietress, Mrs. Meers (18-year-old Madelin Chavez of Otay Ranch High School), a villainess everyone loves to hate, and her assistants Ching Ho (15-year-old Kristian Acruz of Olympian High School) and Bun Foo (16-year-old Denise Dizon of Eastlake High School) who are forced to carry out he diabolical schemes, which all adds up to adventure, romance, comedy and pure entertainment.

More than 60 local youths, ages 8 to 18, comprise this talented cast of actors, singers, dancers and tech crew who create a perfect madcap evening of merrimen

CYT is dedicated to developing character in children and adults through training in the arts and by producing wholesome family entertainment, all of which reflect Judeo-Christian values.