Commissioned by the Center for its Imagination Celebration series for children, the production — performed by kids and for kids — will be presented April 8-16. The musical is recommended for audiences eight and older.

Written, directed and choreographed by Allen, Dancing in the Wings, according to press notes, concerns "Sassy, a long-legged girl who always has something to say. She wants to be a ballerina more than anything, but she worries that her too-large feet, too-long legs and even her big mouth will keep her from her dream. When a famous director comes to visit her class, Sassy does her best to get his attention with high jumps and a bright leotard. Her first attempts are definitely not appreciated, but with her heart set on dancing and her head above the rest, Sassy just might be able to win him over."

Fifty-three students from the D.C. area will be featured in the cast. The creative team comprises Ray Klausen (set design), Timm Burrow (costume design), Dan Covey (lighting design) and Dreama Greaves (props design). The production also features music composed and arranged by Andrew "Tex" Allen, James Ingram and Wayne Lindsey.

Perhaps best known for her role as dance teacher Lydia Grant in the film and subsequent TV series "Fame," Debbie Allen has appeared on Broadway in Purlie, Raisin, Truckload and Ain't Misbehavin' as well as the revivals of West Side Story and Sweet Charity. She received a Tony nomination for her performance in the latter, and she also choreographed the short-lived cult musical Carrie. Allen is the recipient of three Emmy Awards, two for her choreography of "Fame" and one for her choreography of the 1990 TV special "Motown 30: What's Goin' On!"

Tickets, priced $20, can be purchased at the Kennedy Center box office or by calling (202) 467-4600. Visit www.kennedy-center.org for more information.