LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – “The Hysterical History of the Trojan War” by D.M. Larson is The Lake County Theatre Co.’s summer offering and it promises to be a production full of surprises and promise.

The promise will be provided by a large cast of young people who are putting in long hours and a very professional work ethic to assure quality performances.

The surprise comes from the talent of the young people whose past theater experience is extensive considering their age.

The “Trojan War” is scheduled for Aug. 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 18 at 2 p.m. at Lakeport Senior Activity Center. There will be a dinner show at 6 p.m. Aug. 17.

The “oldest” of the young women featured here is Natalya Fortino, age 16. She has performed numerous times since sixth grade when she made her theater performance in “Little Women,” another LCTC production.

Playing the part of Cassandra, she “enjoys the challenge of being someone who is not always sweet. Cassandra is much more interesting than that,” she said. She also hopes for a future in the performing arts.

Grace Ott is another veteran at age 14. “I have been in on play after another since second grade. I just love it! Of course being an evil character is the most fun, but being a strong female like Helen of Troy is also cool.”

In answer to questions about her professional future, Grace confesses a desire to be a forensic anthropologist. Knowing how to be a strong woman is probably going to help her with that role in the future.

The third young actress, Riley Ramirez, is only 8 years old but this is her third LCTC role. That makes her “a pro” in this production.

“The thing I like the best about acting is hanging out with all the fun people that are in the cast with me. I have met a lot of really nice people that way,” she explains with a very mature look. “I don’t have any trouble learning my lines because there is a part of my brain that is very good at that.”

And this play is special for another reason, according to Riley. “Being a girl, this is the first time I get to play a boy. That makes it a challenge. I just watch my brothers and do what they do,” said Riley, a true veteran at her young age.

Tickets will be available at the Senior Center, 707-263-4218, and at the door.

For additional information, feel free to call 707-279-2595.