Get ready for a look back, and for a sneak peek at what’s ahead.

Center Stage Performing Arts Academy in Gonzales will present “Before & Beyond: A Salute to Musical Theatre” this summer in performances at Dutchtown High School and the Manship Theatre in Baton Rouge.

The production features some of Center Stage’s best performances from the past, and offers a sampling of future shows.

As Center Stage will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year, owners Larry and Linda Schexnaydre decided on a special performance for this summer’s show.

Instead of focusing only on the past, they chose to also look forward to the future.

The scenes are tied together by revolving around a central theme. The show leads off with the birth of a baby, which represents the idea of an entertainer who is “born to sing and dance,” as Larry said.

The opening scene features the orphans from “Annie” and progresses into “Cinderella.”

The child grows up and the audience follows her through a variety of memorable scenes.

The show is full of big dance numbers and plenty of singing to showcase the performers’ talents. A total of 50 songs are included.

The show features “phenomenal vocalists,” Larry said.

“Vocally, this is the best group we’ve ever had,” he said.

He said the show required strong vocal and dance talents.

Those familiar with past Center Stage shows will recognize some of the props and scenes, but everything will have a new twist.

“Oklahoma!” for example, will be totally different, Larry said. It features a vocal performance with five males singing in harmony.

The show will star both old and new performers. Several young entertainers will get experience in the large-scale show.

“Picking the cast was extremely tough this year,” Larry said.

The performers represent many different schools and backgrounds, mostly from Ascension, Livingston and East Baton Rouge parishes. Students who typically would be rivals at a Friday night football game all came together to work toward a common goal for the show.

Every performer plays a key role in making the production work. Without traditional leads, every part in the show is a big one.

Though nearly a dozen performers are featured in the bulk of the show, there are plenty of opportunities for solo parts and lines of dialogue. And with so many showstopping musical numbers, the performers have plenty of singing and dancing parts to showcase their talents.

“We were able to spread the wealth very well” Larry said.

Taylor Morgan, 18, will be one of the Center Stage veterans to return to the stage. She’s been involved with Center Stage for a decade.

The Dutchtown High graduate plans to major in musical theater at Northwestern State University, and continue her career as a performer.

Olivia Rawlins, 17, will be in her second Center Stage show. She’s been involved in theater at Parkview Baptist School in Baton Rouge.

She said the high-energy show is a good opportunity for everyone in the cast to show their talents.

Lee Ellen Hutchinson, 13, a Dutchtown Middle student, has been involved with Center Stage for nearly seven years. After working primarily back stage, this will be her first time in the spotlight.

Though she said she’s nervous, she’s excited about being on stage.

Aside from the hard work performers must put in on the stage, it takes lots of volunteers behind the scenes to make the show happen. They kept everyone well fed, and worked on lighting, costumes, sets, painting and advertising.

“All of these things go into it,” Larry said. “Without them, it wouldn’t work.”

Performances will be July 9-12 and 16-19 at Dutchtown High and July 30 and 31 and Aug. 1 and 2 at the Manship Theatre.

Tickets can be purchased at www.beforeandbeyond.eventbrite.com or by calling Center Stage at 225-644-4242.