SUN CITY – On January 10, Sun City had the pleasure of being serenaded by an amazing group of performers titled Project 2. This group is comprised of 15 Huntley High School students and was created by Dylan Ladd in 2007. The students sing and dance musical numbers from such grand performances as “The Jersey Boys,” “Mamma Mia,” and “Wicked.”
“It all started … when my parents made me go see Jersey Boys with them…. Since then, I’ve seen the show 14 times,” said Ladd. The show moved and inspired Ladd so much that he now wants to go into a career of music education. “It made me want to start the group,” said Ladd.
“[When] we originally started the group … we were called the Jersey Kids [and] primarily performed songs from The Jersey Boys Musical,” said Ladd. Due to the similarities in name and content, Ladd found himself in a little bit of a situation. “We actually got contacted by the Jersey Boys producer…. [It turns out that] they had been in the middle of a copyright lawsuit … so they called us and asked us to change the name because they loved what we were doing,” said Ladd.
When asked about performing mostly songs from The Jersey Boys, Ladd said the following, “I love the music. I love that it is a musical that has an influence around guys…. That [almost] never happens…. It is something I could be a part of…. When you think of musicals [most shows] are [dominated by women],” said Ladd.
Project 2 was started in 2007 after creator Dylan Ladd saw a production of Jersey Boys and was inspired to launch his own show. (Photo provided)
During the January 10 show, Ladd sang several songs with John Michael Coppola, who appeared in the Chicago Company of “Jersey Boys.”
“The show over at Sun City was so meaningful … [because I got to sing with] somebody who I truly looked up to, [and it didn’t hurt that he] asked to perform with us,” said Ladd. “It was the coolest experience [I’ve ever had].”
Project 2, headed by Dylan Ladd, hopes to continue performing for many years to come. “[John Michael Coppola’s] job is something I wish I could do one day,” said Ladd. His passion for the music is truly awe inspiring. “I [want the audience] to have a very excited, happy feeling…. I want them to get the same feeling I got when I first saw Jersey Boys,” said Ladd.
Dylan Ladd can be reached at 847-691-6063.
