KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
December 15, 2019
By Natalie Cook Clark
Theatre Under the Stars in Houston presents "Elf: The Musical" this month, and two Katy teens join the cast in the holiday classic.
Quinn VanAntwerp as “Buddy” and the cast of the Theatre Under The Stars production of Elf - The Musical. Photo by Melissa Taylor.
Shows Run Until December 22
Houston's Hobby Center is home to this season's holiday production of "Elf: The Musical" by Theatre Under the Stars. The musical is running now through December 22 and features a Katy high school student among the talented cast.
SLHS Theatre Student Performs in Musical
Kyler Huyse is a sophomore at Seven Lakes High School and an active member of the Studio VII Theatre Company.
A Passion for Theatre
"I love theatre because it gives me an opportunity to express myself on stage," says Huyse. "I’ve always loved to sing and act for as long as I can remember, so using those skills to tell stories that resonate with all different kinds of people is one of the most amazing feelings. Being in theatre also creates such a positive and uplifting environment, it’s like a second family. Just seeing all the support people have for each other is such an incredible thing to witness."
Photo credit Rachel Reid
Huyse joined the Humphreys School of Music Theatre in 2018. As a member of the Humphreys School students can audition for main stage shows with TUTS at the Hobby Center and for an annual Humphreys School performance at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Kyler was in the production of "Addams Family Values" at Miller Outdoor Theatre last summer.
Currently, Huyse is part of "Elf's" Teen Ensemble, and this is his first performance with TUTS.
Second Katy Teen Performs in "Elf: The Musical"
Asante Anglade, 17, is a senior at Mirus Academy, a private school in Katy that caters to creative students. This is Anglade's fourth show with TUTS, but he's been in theatre since second grade.
“Theater has always been a place of joy for me. I’m free from any expectations that people might have of me," says Anglade. "I step out of the mundane, and into a beautiful unknown where I and the other artists around me are completely and totally free. It’s absolutely electric.”
Advice to Aspiring Katy Actors
"Humphreys School of Musical Theatre is a great way to start developing your craft," advises Huyse.
For over 40 years, The Humphreys School of Musical Theatre (HSMT) has been committed to providing the Houston area with the very best in theatrical training and performing arts education. One of their goals is to equip young people with the tools they need to be successful in whatever they choose to do.
"HSMT provides some of the best musical theatre training in the Houston area and opened so many doors that seemed impossible to break through," says Huyse. "I would not be where I am right now without the training they gave me. I would also recommend taking as many dance classes as you can. Just having control over your body can make you feel so much more comfortable on stage."
“For anyone pursuing theater, I would say this: be early, be kind, and know your skills," says Anglade.
A Story of Buddy's Journey
"Elf: The Musical" is the story of Buddy, a human who is accidentally transported to the North Pole as a baby. Realizing he's different from the elves around him, Buddy sets off on a journey to New York City to discover his true identify.
See Katy's Kyler Huyse and Asante Anglade in "Elf: The Musical" presented by TUTS this holiday season. For ticket and show information, please visit TUTS' website.