Everly Veenker dances a solo as part of the Elf Chorus during a rehearsal for "The Magic of Friendship," which opens June 1, 2024, in Enterprise.

ENTERPRISE — Borrowing from a clever, impromptu line from one of the actors during a recent rehearsal of “The Magic of Friendship” — Holy Taylor Swift! The kids of Wallowa County are exceptionally talented!

Over the past few months, these young actors have been learning a lot about musical performance, but also about friendship with their participation in “The Magic of Friendship,” an original children’s musical, crafted and directed by local composer Amy Fairchild.

Fairchild began writing “The Magic of Friendship” immediately after the successful performances of last year’s Christmas shows.

Under the sponsorship of the Wallowa Valley Music Alliance and with the support of a number of generous local donors, her newest musical will be ready for its premiere on June 1.

The show and its seven songs will be performed by a cast of 50 children on the stage of the OK Theater, a space donated by its owners, the Brann family.

The shows are at 2 p.m. June 1 and June 2 at the OK Theater, 208 W. Main St. Admission is by donation.

Musicals

Fairchild’s musical programs are currently offered to the county’s children who are in kindergarten through sixth grade. However, due to its popularity, she hopes to expand by developing programs for older children.

For the upcoming show, an atmosphere of fun is evident at rehearsal but it is clear that the children are focused and understand the importance of their individual roles — lead, chorus, pixie, goblin, elf or tech support — to the greater production.

The production is full of witty jokes, catchy tunes and a strong message about friendship.

“Be kind to everyone, no matter who they are. Don’t get caught up in yourself,” Harlow Stowell, 11 (Queen Malice), shares from the show.

Avery Fough, 11, shares this tidbit from the show: “Growing up is hard, but good friends stick by your side no matter what.”

A cast of 50 friends

The cast of 50 is a mixture of experienced and inexperienced actors. Some have acting/singing experience with the Elgin Opera House, Young Americans, Missoula Children’s Theatre or Fairchild’s previous productions. Others had never acted nor, perhaps, even attended a production like this. As with several of the actors, Carter Crawford, 12, admitted, he had no idea what he was “getting into.”

“The Magic of Friendship” is encouraging in its message. But there is special magic when the actors present this message as only children can. They share their joy, life experience and the big life lessons they have learned not only about performance art and teamwork, but also friendship.

Is there magic in friendship? Oh yes! And in the performance of these young thespians.