Issue date: April 21, 1999
Sean Kranz, a sixth-grader at St. Joseph's School in Atherton, will take center stage in "Latchkey," being staged in the Burgess Theatre in Menlo Park April 23 to May 1.
"Latchkey" is a family and children's musical, examining a modern family's struggle with separation, everyday stress and redefining their relationships.
It is Sean's 11th musical stage work. The Atherton youth, son of Michael and Deborah Kranz, has been singing in musical productions since preschool, performing with community theater groups such as the Peninsula Youth Theatre and the San Jose Children's Musical Theatre.
He's taken on roles such as the Prince in "The Little Mermaid," Oliver Warbucks in "Annie," and title roles in "Winnie the Pooh" and the "Velveteen Rabbit." He has also performed with the Ragazzi boys chorus and the Magical Music Express Choir.
In his latest role in "Latchkey," Sean plays the part of 12-year-old Billy, who with his little sister Meagan must come to terms with the recent separation of his parents. Billy is new in school, trying to make new friends and facing the challenges of peer pressure.
Sean is an avid supporter of community theater, and said he hopes Menlo Park will help save the Burgess Theatre, which may be razed as the city redesigns its recreational fields and facilities in the Civic Center.
For show times and ticket information, call 342-1574.
© 1999 The Almanac. All Rights Reserved.