Kerns: Rogers, 16, already attracting attention of audiences, instructors

“The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” barely stayed long enough on a Broadway stage for its actors to receive paychecks, yet Lubbock director Frank Rendon has superbly cast and directed the current Moonlight Musicals production. Indeed, he captures a consistent charm that makes the play quite satisfying as regional theater.

The Moonlight Musical can be seen through July 1 at the amphitheater at Mackenzie Park.

So many cast and crew members deserve praise for elevating this particular little show. Yet an actor winning over audiences is not much older than the character of Tom Sawyer, as written by Mark Twain.

Coby Rogers is a handsome, fresh-faced, 16-year-old performer who nails his performance in the title role, delivering work indicative of someone with more experience.

While Rogers has been acting for only four years, he already is shaping a potential career,

He is intelligent enough to discuss different approaches to characterization with fellow actors outside the rehearsal process, and has hopes of starring one day in deeper musicals.

As Moonlight Musicals producer Gerald Dolter put it, “He is still very young, and has much to learn. He is just 16, but stage talent begins to show itself seriously at this age. I find him enjoyable to watch and enthusiastic.”

Rendon, who was rewarded with Rogers’ fine work as Tom Sawyer, noted, “The kid has a great look, expressive eyes and a charming smile. He’s very personable, humble and eager to work and learn.

“I’ve been watching him since we did our first show together. Coby is the kind of kid who never settles, just continues to grow in every role he’s done, whether a lead, a supporting or ensemble role.”

Rogers placed more emphasis on basketball through middle school. A turning point arrived when he watched a friend perform in the musical “The King and I.”

As he recalled, he turned to his mother seated next to him that evening, and said, “I think I can do that.”

Months later, if just as naive, he was cast as one of Wendy Darling’s brothers in “Peter Pan,” and soon enough they were on their way to Neverland.

Rogers said he has performed in two dramatic roles in plays at Frenship High School. He prefers musicals.

He is not leaning toward a specific college. However, he has worked primarily with Moonlight (musicals and junior musicals), and more work in straight plays could serve him well with college recruiters.

Then again, Dolter feels Rogers “has the potential to become a professional, triple-threat stage performer.”

Mind you, Dolter obviously is keeping his eyes on Rogers, hoping he will “train two more years with Moonlight Musicals before being snatched up by one of the top musical theater programs in the country.”

Rogers has no problem communicating confidence on stage. His mother, Jessica, in addition to praising her son’s creativity, also mentioned, “He always has been a very confident and outgoing kid.

“It definitely helped him find a skill that he wants to work hard at and excel in - a place for him to shine. It’s a great thing to see your kids find something they love, work hard at, and glorify God (while) doing it.”