Probst kids take to Muny stage on July 15

Patrick, Jacqueline and Christian Probst will be on the Muny stage together when the musical, "Peter Pan," opens July 15. They're following in the performing footsteps of their mother, Julie.

Thirty years ago, Julie Piekarski had her first role in the Muny's performance at the age of nine. She continued her Muny appearances until she was 20.

Sometimes, that meant taking a summer break just to come back to St. Louis for the Muny season.

Now, her kids are active at the Muny productions and the Muny Kids organization. They've also appeared on other theater stages around St. Louis.

Twelve-year-old Patrick first appeared in the Muny production of "Damn Yankees" in 1998. He's been in other Muny shows such as "Sound of Music," Singing in the Rain" and "Wizard of Oz."

He also got a chance to sing and do a "soft-shoe" dance in last year's Muny "tribute" to George Gershwin.

Jacqueline Probst

His sister, 10-year-old Jacqueline, appeared with Patrick in the "Wizard of Oz" a year ago. She also was in "A Tribute to Gershwin."

This year, it's 8-year-old Christian's first turn on the Muny stage in "Peter Pan." All three will appear either as lost kids or Indians in the performances that go for seven nights.

(If you'd like to learn more about the Muny acting opportunities, just log onto the Muny's website at www.muny.com)

Christian Probst

But, the Muny stage isn't the only one where the Probst kids have performed.

One of their most recent appearances was on the local Variety Club Telethon's TV broadcast. They've also been on television and in other stage productions with Bravo Theater and Stages.

And acting isn't their only extra-curricular activity. They've all done fashion modeling, both for print and on live runways.

Patrick has served as a cantor during special Catholic worship services. At two of them, St. Louis Archbishop Justin Rigali was in attendance.

The kids also have interest in sports.

For the last two years, Jacqueline has qualified for gymnastics camps taught by former Olympic coach Bella Karoli. She'll be trying out later in July to see if she can qualify again for a spot in Karoli's camp this December.

She has a workout schedule for gymnastics alone that calls for 20 hours of practice a week.

Jacqueline has her eye on the 2008 Olympic Games in China. In the past, she might have been trying for the 2004 games.

But, Olympic officials have changed their attitude on minimum ages for gymnasts. That's because of concerns about too much pressure for very young kids. Now, gymnasts won't earn a spot on the national team before the age of 16.

The Probst kids all attend The Academy of Sacred Heart School in St. Charles. Patrick will be in seventh grade next fall. Jacqueline will to fifth grade and Christian to third grade.

Both Patrick and Jacqueline said their favorite acting experience was associated with Repertory Theatre's performances of "Gypsy."

Patrick said he like the month-long schedule of performances "Three of my friends were in the show with me," he said.

Jacqueline's "Gypsy" experience included six weeks with a touring company. During that time, she had a tutor traveling with her. Also, each Sunday she and her mother would fly home so they could be with the family. She could go to school Monday (which is an off day in the theater). They would fly back for the Tuesday night performance.

Julie Piekarski as a Mouseketeer

Those travels brought back memories for Julie, who traveled a lot when she was a kid.

After starting with the Muny, Julie entered a nationwide talent search when the a new version of the Mouseketeers was being formed. She was one of 12 selected for the group that performed in the syndicated TV show, "The New Mickey Mouse Club." .

She later earned a part in the TV sitcom, "Facts of Life." She also appeared in several made-for-TV films and in guest spots on such TV shows as "Quincy," "Different Strokes," and "Three's Company."

However, she's been a home-mom since the birth of the children. She's now helping as they work on their own entertainment careers.