“Saturday Morning Live” at YMCA

The theatrical performance of ten young ladies and gentlemen (ages eight to 13) at the YMCA’s Youth Development Center reminded viewers just how funny the perennial show “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) is. These young thespians had the audience laughing throughout the entire performance as they performed six different, modified, and age-appropriate sketches, adapted from SNL. 

Produced, adapted, and directed by Ryan M. Sullivan, skits including “Matt Foley Motivational Speaker,” “Airplane Baby,” “Wayne’s World,” “The Herlihey Boy Dog-Sitting Service,” “More Cowbell,” and “Sarcasm 101,” showcased the talent and sharp wit of its young performers.

“The kids only had six actual rehearsals before their performance,” said Sullivan, “but their comic timing, delivery, and character work were purely phenomenal.”

“What an awesome performance,” one member of the audience said as he was walking out. Another member of the audience was surprised by the dramatic skills demonstrated by the young performers in such a short time. 

Sullivan teaches an eight-week course in theatrical basics at the YMCA, performs in Gina Sisbarro of the “Sisbarro Acting Studio” productions, and has taught at the Marco Island Charter Middle School’s Theater Club for four years.