Queen Creek's Jacob Vella, 12, has been cast as a featured singer in "HITS! The Musical." He is one of 29 cast members in the show currently on a 50-plus city tour across the country.
“When I was seven years old I auditioned for 'The Jungle Book Jr.' at the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center with my brother and sister. We loved being apart of QPAC productions. Later, I was cast as Young Simba in 'The Lion King Jr.' and JoJo in 'Seussical the Musical Jr.' Then my mom signed me up for a hip-hop class to keep me busy," said Vella. "Pretty soon I was taking ballet tap and jazz at Rhythm and Motion Dance Center. Next, I auditioned for a show at the Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert. That was my first experience with professional theater. With the money I made I saved up for my own computer!”
As a featured singer in the “HITS! The Musical,” Vella said he couldn't wait for the tour to start earlier this month.
“I haven’t always been able to connect with kids at school, sometimes they make fun of me for singing and dancing instead of playing sports," he said. "When I flew to Tampa for the final round of callbacks, I met so many kids like me. I didn’t feel so isolated. The director told me I made the cast over a Zoom call and I was shocked. I thought it was a prank. It still feels like a dream."
“HITS! The Musical” is a musical journey that recreates the biggest hits in pop, rock and Broadway from the 1960s to the present, including classics like “Hero,” “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Singing in The Rain” and more. It's an unforgettable 90 minutes of non-stop, foot-tapping fun and excitement for music lovers young and old.
“We held nationwide auditions with more than 7,000 individuals and from those auditions we pulled together an electrifying cast of budding young superstars who sing and dance with unstoppable high energy and talent,” said Bob Gries, founder and executive producer of the musical. “This show will not only give the audience an unforgettable musical experience, but it will give these exceptionally talented young performers the opportunity to take center stage and showcase their individual talents.”
The budding young superstars, ranging in age from 10 to 22, take audiences on a musical journey, performing medleys of nearly 100 of America’s most iconic songs. The 50-plus city tour stops in cities across the country from coast-to-coast.
“In addition to the singing and dancing extravaganza showcased in "HITS! The Musical," there will be hundreds of costume changes highlighting each era and state-of-the-art lighting and sound," said Cynthia Nekvasil, director of the musical. "Altogether, this show will be an unforgettable experience for the entire family.”
"HITS! The Musical" comes to Arizona in May, with shows on Wednesday, May 3 in Phoenix at the Herberger Theater Center and Thursday, May 4 in Tucson at the Fox Tucson Theater.
To buy tickets and for more information, visit thehitstour.com.
