Dear Audience Member-
Thank you so much for attending this first production of the newly resurrected BMS Theatre Arts Company. I am honored to be leading this cast of talented students through their first first theatrical experience. They have been working incredibly hard, and we hope you enjoy the show.
When we first began this process, my Seaweed put me on the spot and asked me what the point of this show was. Without thinking, I told him that the story is about love triumphing over hate, which, in retrospect, is an increidbly powerful theme in a time where hate so often dominates our world. Watching this theme envelope the students has been a beautiful experience for me. They started out rehearsals as students from three different grades, uncomfortable around one another, and definitely not a team yet. In no time, they became a tightly knit unit. This cast is a team, and I am so proud of the way they have each other's backs. They are truly an example to those around them, that it is possible to put aside differences to work for the common goal. Their dynamic should be an inspiration
Being the leader of this cast has been one of the most rewarding theatre experiences I have ever had, but leading the production staff I have had the honor of working with has been the best production staff experience of my twenty years in theatre. It should be noted that every member of the production staff, with the exception of myself, has committed to this experience as a volunteer. They are my a-team, and the most talented group I have ever worked with. In a detail that truly makes me feel old, I have worked with all of them when they were members of high school theatre, and could not be more thankful to have each of them back. I must first thank Mr. Raymond Sentina, BMS Choir director, who as a first year teacher has an already full plate, but did not even give it a second thought when I asked him if he could musical direct this show. He is an incredibly gifted educator, and watching him teach our cast the music while also showing them the love of theatre has truly made my heart full. To that end, I am beyond honored to FINALLY have my dear friend and former HS star (Jekyll and Hyde-2012), Robert Serrano, choreograph this show. Rob brings a level of true professionalism to this production, while also instilling his love of Belleville theatre on students who are now in the same spot that he was once in. Rob and I have been a theatrical unit for a longtime, and it is an honor to have him as an integral cog in this production. Next, I would not be half the director I am without my sanity with me, also known as my stage manager, Katie Dolan, who has had this role with me for a very long time! Katie never ceases to amaze me because no matter how long its been since we held the director and stage manager spots, she falls right back into our routine, and is always one step ahead of my thoughts. With my dynamic duo of stage managers, Celina Revollar is the other half of our backstage machine. She is a calming force to us all, and she brings her bright smile and her extensive knowledge to make this production a success. Finally, I must also thank Mrs. Laura Ann Curran, for her costuming expertise and for making 30 skirts in a moment's pause. Mrs. Curran is retired and was under no obligation to help me, but offered her assistance in a heartbeat. I am beyond grateful to her, and my entire production staff. Their professionalism, friendship, expertise, and love of the theatre are what make this production a success.
A little over a week ago, as I was watching the production staff and cast working together to put their own finishing touches on this producion, I couldn't help but think of the common bond shared by everyone who has contributed to this musical, from the production staff, to the high school tech crew, to the cast. This is a truly Belleville production, complete with Belleville graduates for production staff (Conway- 2001, Sentina- 2010, Serrano- 2012, Dolan- 2013 and Revollar- 2016), current HS students running tech for the show, and Belleville's finest young actors for our cast. That's the thing about being a part of theatre in Belleville- we bleed blue and gold. Being a part of Belleville theatre is something that becomes a part of who you are and sticks with you forever, and my only hope is that the love of theatre and our town that the production staff and I possess is being passed down to our cast.
The final song in this show is called "You Can't Stop the Beat," and relevant theme to this entire production experience, though I would add, "You can't stop the beat. This love goes on and on and on."
Again, thank you so much for joining us for Hairspray Jr. Please sit back and enjoy the show!
Love and theatre,
Jamie L. Conway
Director/Advisor
BMS Theatre Arts Company
