[ back ]
School musical leaps back to flapper era
(by Sue Hoffman - January 28, 2010)
School musical leaps back to flapper era
By SUE HOFFMAN
Kenston Middle School will perform the musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie" at 7 p.m. Friday (Jan. 29) and 4 p.m. Jan. 30 in the Kenston High School auditorium.
Set during the flapper era of the Roaring '20s, the show tells the story of young Millie Dillmount, who has moved to New York City in 1922 in search of a new life. Originally an Oscar-winning movie starring Julie Andrews, it was made into a Broadway musical in 2002. The show, with music by Jeanine Tesori and Dick Scanlan, won 11 Tony awards, including best musical.
"We chose the musical, because it is so fun," said social studies teacher Shannon Wirthwein, who's directing the show. "It's just a really enjoyable show, full of energy and life, with great roles for young performers," she said.
"The Kenston Middle School drama program has grown by leaps and bounds. Four years ago, we started on a shoestring, scrounging for costumes and painting our backdrop on giant rolls of paper. This year's set includes a 20-plus-foot backdrop, 'flying' windows, a hotel lobby with elevator, jail and office with working typewriters," Mrs. Wirthwein said.
"Another area where we are really proud is the popularity of the program. This year, more than 80 people auditioned for the show, and we are able to showcase fantastic talent. The kids have really put their whole heart into the show." She said two members of the cast even had to learn lines in Chinese.
The cast and crew have been practicing for the past few months and are looking forward to putting on a fantastic show, Mrs. Wirthwein said.
Eighth-graders Claire Abourjeily and Maggie Lowman are double cast as Millie. Other lead actors are eighth-graders Eric Poe, as Jimmy Smith, Jaime Kosiorek, as Mrs. Meers, Lydia Jones, as Miss Dorothy, David Clayton, as Trevor Graydon, Emily Miller, as Bun Foo, Kristi Kazimir, as Miss Flannery, and sixth-grader Ben Poe, as Ching Ho.
Staff members include Julia Green, as musical director, Jim Richards, as technical director, Theresa Somich, as choreographer, and Liz Vejar, in charge of art. Sally Burton is parent coordinator, and Mark Lowe is in charge of tickets.
Tickets will be available at the door. They are $7 for adults and $5 for students. Presale tickets are available for students. Kenston High School is at 9500 Bainbridge Road in Bainbridge.
[ back ]
