My wife, Lynn, and I were among about 650 people who attended the Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley’s annual fundraising gala, “Great Futures Start Here,” held Saturday at the Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach.
It was a night of dinner, silent and live auctions highlighted by an opening musical performance featuring some very talented Boys & Girls Clubs members – all to raise funds that will benefit Boys & Girls Club’s programs such as before- and after-school care, licensed preschools, sports leagues, family support programs and a performing arts program.
That brings me to young Taven Blanke.
Taven has performed in Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley plays including “The Lion King,” “The Music Man” and “Aladdin,” just to name a few.
And now, the 12-year-old Fountain Valley actor is performing in the historic Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Conn., in the role of a lifetime for a young thespian. Taven has the title role in the production of “Billy Elliot, The Musical,” featuring songs by Elton John.
“Billy Elliot is my dream role because I get to dance, I get to sing and I get to act,” Taven said in a phone interview from Connecticut.
The son of Travis and Anna Blanke, Taven attended Courreges and Fulton schools before being accepted into the Orange County School of the Arts as an incoming seventh-grader. Incidentally, Taven’s older sister, Timari, is also a club member and was one of the performers at Saturday’s gala.
Taven also has been active in the Boys & Girls Clubs’ Clubhouse Academy dance program, under the direction of Allison Horner. He excels in various dance styles including ballet, lyrical, contemporary, jazz and hip-hop.
Horner could talk about Taven forever.
“There was something about him from day one when he walked in and auditioned for one of our shows,” she said. “There is something about him that you can’t take your eyes off him. This speaks to me so much because when I see him perform there is so much joy in him and that’s the way I felt when I danced.”
Horner added: “The honest truth is he is unbelievably gifted. There is so much natural ability.”
How does a Fountain Valley seventh-grader land the title role in a 10-time Tony Award-winning play in Connecticut?
At Horner’s suggestion, Taven auditioned to take part in a Broadway Artist’s Alliance intensive in New York City. Taven was accepted to attend for the singing, dancing and acting sessions.
“These intensives are mentored and taught by Tony Award-winning Broadway performers and culminate in a showcase performance for the industry,” dad Travis explained.
Before Taven performed at the final showcase, one of the showcase’s choreographers mentioned that he thought Taven would make a great Billy Elliot.
“On our last day in New York, Taven was afforded the opportunity to audition for the role of Billy Elliot. He was offered the role and accepted,” Travis said.
The show opened Sept. 13 and will run through Nov. 24.
Indeed, a great future has started for Taven.