Larry Cervi began East End Kids, a nonprofit professional teen song and dance ensemble, to showcase student talent several times a year while giving back to the community.
“I found it ridiculous that the dance students (from other organizations) were only performing one show at the end of the season,” the artist director said.
He began by creating Larry Cervi School of Performing Arts in 1986 in Point Breeze. Cervi later began schools in Monroeville, Robinson, North Hills and Penn Hills.
East End Kids, which is geared toward 12- to 18-year-olds, began in 1990 and participants often visit nursing homes and retirement communities.
“I tell the kids, it’s not just about showing off what you can do,” Cervi said. “It’s about the way you make people feel and about giving back.”
Over the years, East End Kids performers have traveled to Toronto, Disney World, Disneyland and Euro Disney.
“That was only a result of parental support,” Cervi said. “We couldn’t have traveled like that without the parents’ financial support and participation.”
In addition to the families, Cervi credits the ensemble’s 35 years of success to the staff.
Vocal instructor Amy McDaniel has been with East End Kids for 20 years. McDaniel is a former artist in residence at CCAC’s Boyce Campus and runs her own private studio.
McDaniel’s son, Alexander, performed with East End Kids, then studied musical theater at Point Park University and did post-graduate work at New York University. A professor at PennWest University, Alexander is “one of the top vocal teachers in Pennsylvania,” Cervi said.
Mary Chase is the assistant director and producer. Two of her five children, Heath and Jayla, performed in the group.
“Larry asked Heath to join, because Larry knew him from Gateway Musical,” Chase said.
Heath and Jayla joined East End Kids in January 2019. By September, Chase was voted onto the board as vice president and treasurer.
Cervi’s granddaughter, Kaylie Wallace, was in East End Kids for six years before studying musical theater at the University of Michigan. Wallace recently ended a two-year tour of “Annie,” where she traveled the U.S. and spent three weeks in China.
“Kaylie has become an invaluable part of the teaching staff,” Chase said. “She has staging visions like her Pap and she is a strong choreographer.”
Cervi studied education at the University of Pittsburgh, where he also obtained a master’s degree in theater. He began teaching English at Swissvale High School in 1958 then turned to speech and drama at Churchill Area High School. Cervi taught there for 21 years and started the first high school drama department in 1963.
Cervi choreographed for the majorettes at Penn State University and was the founder of University of Pittsburgh’s “Golden Girls.” He directed high school musicals at Gateway, Burgettstown, Upper St. Clair, Montour and West Allegheny. He’s received multiple CLO Gene Kelly Award nominations.
“Larry’s dedication to the teens in East End Kids helps them build confidence, public speaking skills and, of course, stage presence,” Chase said. “These tools go with them into adulthood, no matter what career they choose.”
Cervi lives in Churchill with Donna, his wife of 63 years. They have four children, all who performed in some way. The couple share nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Cervi lives by the motto “art brings life to life” – a quote he readily admits he didn’t actually invent.
“I go to all of the shows,” Cervi said. “I’m 89 and still moving. I’m a happy person.”