Notes from the Director
Welcome to Reading High School and to our performance of Disaster! On behalf of the Production Team, Cast and Crew, we are thrilled that you have chosen to spend this time with us. If you are a 1970’s music fan and up for a couple hours of outrageous mayhem, you're in the right spot!
Last year, when Mr. Smith told me he was going on sabbatical for the 23-24 school year, I cried: selfishly. Mr. Smith has graciously allowed me to assist him in Directing quite a few RHS Musicals in the last 10 years and it has always been the most exhausting and exhilarating time of my year! I couldn’t imagine going a year without seeing the students and team that I love so much. After venting my feelings of anger and abandonment (haha), he suggested I check with the rest of the production team to see if they were up to the task of mounting a production without him. They all said yes, fully knowing that we would all need to step up our game to cover Mr. Smith’s void. We have also been blessed with two additions to our team. Mr. Ben Magrowski has done a stellar job preparing the vocals and Miss Savannah Gross has been magnificent as the Company Manager. The returning members, Mr. Joe Occhiogrosso, Ms. Kate Perkins, Mrs. Alli Meck, Mrs. Karen Quinn, Ms. Sarah Ifkowitz and Mr. Brian Simpson have put endless hours of work into this production and I appreciate them so much. I know my name is next to the word “Director” but I deserve no more credit than each and every member of this team.
So, now for the important part . . . our kids and Disaster! There are so many things to consider when choosing a show. We initially held an” interest” meeting and quickly discovered we had lots of new 9th and 10th grade “first timers” with a super talented group of returning upperclassmen. Because we believe strongly in the educational aspect of theater participation, we want to give our students as many opportunities as possible to experience different genres of theater. Knowing that we wanted to take a different direction than last year's production of Pippin, Disaster! Seemed like a perfect fit! Seth Rudetsky and Jack Plotnick created a hilarious spoof with an ensemble cast that would give the kids a chance to work on their comedic chops all while singing the best of the hits from the 70’s!
Finally, we recognize that this production would never have happened without the commitment, generosity and teamwork of the students, parents, teachers, staff, administration, RSD central administration and community members. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for helping us find the resources to bring this production to fruition for the undeniably deserving and talented kids of the RSD!
Now please, enjoy the show!
Sincerely,
Holly Keown
