'Adelaide'

• By ROBIN MILLER
• Arts writer
• Published: Jun 7, 2009

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Sometimes it’s easy to forget that you’re supposed to be a street urchin.

That doesn’t sound too inviting, does it? Street urchin.

Aren’t they uncomely types, always up to no good? That’s how they were when the Artful Dodger introduced Oliver Twist to his gang of street urchins.

But, of course, that’s another musical, another story. Charles Dickens’ story to be specific.

The story here belongs to Susan Perlis. She’s director of Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s Youth Ballet for dancers between ages 10 and 14.

Perlis also is the person who came up with the idea for Adelaide and choreographed the company’s 55 members in three separate productions of this ballet.

And Adelaide will hit the road Monday, June 8, to open the Youth Ballet’s annual summer tour. Audiences in area libraries, as well as the Shaw Center of the Arts, will watch as Adelaide’s story plays out.

Yes, Adelaide, the orphan girl discovered by street urchins, introduced to scalawags and presented to a rich aunt as her long lost niece. Adelaide, who is identified by a unique birthmark on her shoulder.

Little orphan Adelaide, a role Zoe Li gets to play sometimes.

Sometimes.

That’s the life story of an understudy.

Maria Rome and Katie DeLeo have been cast to play the leading role in alternating shows. Sure, they’re a little older and have a little more experience.

And by no means is Li complaining.