Players on the Potomac Bring 'Camp Rock' To Life

Last year,  kicked off its inaugural production, You're A Good Man Charlie Brown.

While the show received rave reviews, the group -- founded by Loudoun parents who wanted a place for their talented middle schoolers to perform -- learned many lessons that have helped them improve on this year's production.

“We learned the hard way that there are challenges unique to performing outdoors. Unexpected wet weather, noisy airplanes and having to strike the set every night among them.  We've made a few changes to ensure [this year's production] will run smoothly," said Wendy Marco, one of the group's founders.

The group brings this year's production, Disney’s Camp Rock The Musical, to town Aug. 23 through Aug. 25 in the outdoor Lansdowne Amphitheatre.

The musical follows the story line of the second Camp Rock movie, and includes fun songs, energetic choreography and a positive message. 

The Players on the Potomac have been working hard all summer to prepare for this production, Marco said: There are 32 cast members, many of whom were in last year’s show. Jason Augustowski, a teacher at Belmont Ridge Middle School is directing the show. 

“Jason is loaded with energy and enthusiasm and has a great rapport with the kids,” Marco said.

Audience-goers shouldn't fear the elements, either, Marco said:  Ashburn's Christ Community Church will a back-up venue in the event of inclement weather; if Dulles International Airport changes its flight patterns,  the group will use headset microphones and additional speakers "so the audience won't miss a word," she said.

"And to lessen the hours of time that our cast and their parents have to spend striking the set each night, we have selected a show which allows us to use the natural beauty of Lansdowne's outdoor amphitheater," Marco said. "Instead of flats we have minimal set pieces and are putting up curtains behind the tree lined stage."

"It's Camp Rock," she added. "It's supposed to look like it's outdoors!”

Camp Rock runs at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the outdoor amphitheatre in Lansdowne on the Potomac, 43459 Riverpoint Dr., Lansdowne, Va.  Tickets are $7 in advance, $8 at the door and concessions, including pizza and hot dogs, will be sold on site. In the event of rain, Christ Community Church in Ashburn, located on Red Rum Dr. will be the location for the performance. For more information, visit the group's website.