NRG’s summer vacation sounds like a plot out of a teen movie.
The undiscovered-yet-blooming youth pop group has been invited to perform in “Feather,” in New York City. The performance is part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival, the theater equivalent of Cannes. In other words, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“It’s a big deal,” Manager Yvonne Fry said. “It’s an opportunity for a shift with these kids.”
But the group needs to raise about $40,000 to cover expenses. NRG will perform six times, from July 9 through 18.
So far, NRG has sent letters to friends and businesses in Plant City. Paul and Nanette Granville, owners of Focus 4 Beauty, received a letter and were inspired to help the group. The students at Focus 4 Beauty will host a cut-a-thon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 22.
“We heard they were trying to raise funds for their New York trip and that appealed to Nanette and me,” Paul said. “We have always seen the school as a vehicle to help people achieve their dreams in the beauty and barber industry, and these young people clearly have a dream they are looking to achieve.”
NRG also will host a car wash fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 15, at Platinum Bank, 1804 James L Redman Parkway.
Food trucks will be available at both the car wash and cut-a-thon.
NRG also has set up an online campaign through Fundly. The group is asking for $20 donations or more through the website, fundly.com/help-nrg-get-to-nyc.
THE BIG SHOW
“Feather” is an emotional story about a young couple that recounts how they fell in love and the events that destroyed them. Cat is a human rights lawyer. Eli is a photojournalist who is working on a documentary film in a war-torn area of the world.
NRG will be singing in the show, representing the youth. Many of the vocals are in Sanskrit. NRG has been practicing a little of the material, but when they arrive June 30, in New York, they will be able to see the musical performed for them.
Charleene Closshey, the lead actress and composer for the show, wrote NRG’s part.
“She wants the kids to have the emotional ties to it by seeing it for the first time before they perform it,” Fry said. “This isn’t ‘The Music Man.’”
For the past two years, NRG has been dancing across stages at a plethora of local events. But, in New York, it will be different.
“Every moment not being part of the show is being focused on other things, like their own rehearsals and other appearances,” Fry said. “Our goal is that it’s a working trip. We want them to understand this is what it will be like working in the city.”
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
HOW TO HELP
There are three ways to help NRG get to NYC:
• Donate to fundly.com/help-nrg-get-to-nyc
• Car wash from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 15, at Platinum Bank, 1804 James L Redman Parkway
• Cut-a-thon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 22, at Focus 4 Beauty, 1805 James L. Redman Parkway, Suites 201-202