‘Holes’ opens Feb. 12 at Academy of Children’s Theatre in Richland

Jantz Levin was a fan of the 2003 film Holes starring Shia LaBeouf.

But, “in a million years, I never thought I’d be in the play (version),” the 14-year-old said.

In the starring role of Stanley Yelnats, no less.

But he is.

And audiences will be able to check out his take on the beloved character when the Academy of Children’s Theatre production opens Feb. 12.

Jantz leads a cast of more than 30 young actors. And he does so with aplomb, said Josh Darby, director.

“He works really hard and understands what to do on stage. And he’s the kindest kid you could ever meet,” said Darby, who’s also ACT’s artistic director.

Darby added that Jantz makes “the whole show better” by being a good listener and a giver on stage. “Everyone rises up to another level with him,” Darby said.

Holes was adapted by Louis Sachar from his acclaimed book of the same name.

It centers on Stanley Yelnats IV, a teen whose bad luck is blamed on a family curse.

Stanley is sent to a juvenile detention facility — where he and other young inmates are made to dig holes — after being wrongly accused of theft.

The show has light, funny moments, but also explores some serious themes, like tolerance. “We talk about what it means to accept people, to not judge someone based on things they can’t control. It has messages of acceptance and diversity,” Darby said.

To Jantz, Holes is — at its heart — about friendship.

“Stanley finds this unlikely friend named Zero, or Hector. He’s caring for (Zero) in situations where there are struggles,” Jantz said.

The play has the message of “be caring to everyone,” he said.

Jantz is in eighth grade at Desert Hills Middle School in Kennewick. Stanley Yelnats isn’t his first starring role in an ACT production. He also played the title role in the company’s production of Oliver! in 2012.

Jantz loves performing. “I like facing the challenge of embodying another character. When you’re this character on stage, you’re no longer Jantz. You’re Stanley. You’re Oliver. I just love that feeling,” he said.

He also has a growing passion for behind-the-scenes work, from theater lighting and sound to making his own videos.

He can see himself as a filmmaker one day, or perhaps running tech for a Broadway show.

For now, he’s excited about Holes.

The show is worth checking out, he said. “I want people to have a good time when they come to the show,” he said. “Come on down to Holes.”

The show is appropriate for all ages. Performances are at 7 p.m. Feb 12-13 and 19-20, and at 3 p.m. Feb 13 and 20 at ACT, 213 Wellsian Way, Richland.

Grant money from the Richland Rotary Club is providing a sign language interpreter for the Feb. 13 matinee.

Tickets for the production are $13 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $7 for kids under age 12.

They’re available at the theater, by calling 509-943-6027 and at www.academyofchildrenstheatre.org.

This story was originally published February 3, 2016 at 1:21 PM with the headline "‘Holes’ opens Feb. 12 at Academy of Children’s Theatre in Richland."