Local actor to star in OCT world premiere

A Camas High School freshman will play the starring role in an upcoming musical.

Clayton Lukens, 14, will portray “Buzz” in an Oregon Children’s Theatre production of “Fly Guy: The Musical.”

“I was really excited that the director (Stan Foote), would trust me with that after only one show with OCT,” he said.

In “Fly Guy,” Buzz thinks he has the smartest pet in the world: A fly named Fly Guy, who loves to come to school with Buzz every day, and even makes his own fly friend, Fly Girl.

Riding the bus to school is fun for the flies, but when they find themselves on a field trip at a flyswatter factory, they have to outsmart the Super Swatter 6000 to save the day.

The musical is based on the New York Times bestselling book series, Fly Guy, by Tedd Arnold.

The show will open on Saturday, Jan. 14 and run through Sunday, Feb. 12.

“It’s a very popular book with teachers, and our school field trip performances are nearly sold out,” noted Ava Brogi, marketing assistant at OCT.

To keep children entertained, the musical includes catchy, hip-hop that will include choreography by Broadway veteran, Kemba Shannon.

Lukens has been involved in theater since he was 8 years old, but only began performing with OCT a year ago. His first role was Herb in “Junie B. Jones.”

His favorite past roles have included The Artful Dodger in “Oliver!” with Journey Theater and Troy Bolton in “High School Musical Jr.” at Liberty Middle School. In his free time, Lukens enjoys the beach, and spending time with friends and family.

“Fly Guy: The Musical,” is a simultaneous world premiere, which will also be performed with Bay Area Children’s Theater in California.

“I’m really looking forward to the simultaneous world premiere,” Lukens said. “It’s going to be a cool experience.”

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