For those still recovering from the attack of man-eating plants, the Regional Theatre of the Palouse (RTOP) will feature something sweeter with young talent from the Palouse singing classic songs from Broadway hits.

RTOP will offer numerous theater workshops throughout the year. The theater’s winter workshop is titled “Kids on Broadway,” a musical review of famous songs from plays such as “The King and I” and “Annie.”

“The workshops are an opportunity for children to see theater from the beginning until the performance,” said Tina McClure, co-director of the workshop.

The workshop develops in layers, McClure said. The kids learn script, music, choreography, exits, entrances and staging in the RTOP Corner before moving into the main stage once “The Little Shop of Horrors” finishes production. Their curriculum includes every important aspect to making a show come alive.

All the actors are in costumes taken from RTOP’s storehouse of costumes from past productions. Some costumes used were from shows done by RTOP while others were put together based on the needs for the songs, including improvised Siamese headwear by wearing gold-colored cupcake wrappers.

For many of the young actors, this is another notch in their belt of theater experiences – only two of the children are first-timers. They have rehearsed for the past eight weeks, a tiring yet fun process according to fifth grade first-time actor Lucas Shae.

“I decided to come back and do this show because I have been in previous RTOP shows and really enjoyed it,” said fifth-grader Lydia McNelly, one of the young actresses. “I thought I would have a lot of fun coming back.”

Each child, ranging in age from 3 to 19, has multiple parts depending on their role in the songs. Most of them have three or four roles, not counting the ensemble positions. Many already knew the songs from seeing movies or stage productions of the shows.

“We are doing a lot of cool things and we are dancing and singing,” said Julian Ellison, the youngest member of the cast.

The children are led onstage by Bethany Hanes, who plays the roles of Anna from “The King and I,” Maria from “The Sound of Music,” and the co-director alongside McClure. The song choice was based on ones that included children specifically and involved more of an ensemble to include everyone, Hanes said.

“Annie” is one of the most familiar shows, especially with its recent revival in the form of the movie that came out last December, Hanes said. The kids will sing three songs from the show, using both traditional choreography and some hip-hop in relation to the movie.

“Children are constantly on a huge learning curve, and everything in their life is something new,” Hanes said. “Anything I throw at them, they’re willing to try.”

McClure said the show is more of a musical revue, with dialogue and interludes she and Hanes wrote to introduce the songs and give information about the source of the songs. The kids are always enthusiastic and eager to learn, McClure said.

The directors tried to give every kid a shining moment in the show to give them a sense of working together and then having a moment to show themselves. These personal incorporations come from individual skills of the actor, such as doing cartwheels, Celtic dancing and gymnast flexibility.

“I’m looking forward to acting in front of a crowd and showing them my personality,” said fourth-grader Eliza McNelly.

Hanes said working with children that are a variety of ages can be challenging due to the different needs of each child and the speed that each actor has to learn the show. But she loved seeing the children transforming from their first day and acting very shy to performance day and showing much more confidence.

McClure said the experience has shown to help the kids in other areas of their lives because the workshops bring them out of their shells. The layered learning adds up to a smooth running show, from learning blocking to learning to hang up costumes neatly.

“I love to pass on that excitement, and I love to do this,” McClure said. “I find it’s something that brings me joy and sharing that is very rewarding.”

Although the idea of eight weeks’ worth of intensive theater may seem intimidating, the children are able to get comfortable with their roles and add their own personal flair, Hanes said. She said she’s so proud of what they’re doing.

“My favorite part is getting to make new friends and having the rush you get when you’re about to go up (onstage),” sixth-grader Alma said.

“Kids on Broadway” will show at RTOP Theatre at 2.p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. For more information about tickets and RTOP’s workshops, visit www.rtoptheatre.org.