A Note from the Director:
When we announced our season this past year the kids were so pumped for Chicago High School Edition, and they have continued that excitement all the way through the process. This show challenged us in new ways. It challenged our actors in learning a new style of dance and it challenged our techies in designing and then building an entire set - they were there for every step along the way, and really made it all come together! Additionally, it was a lighting challenge as we added elements to this show that we haven't used together before. I am so proud of all of the kids involved and how they all rose to every challenge and came together to present such a fun show!
Directing Chicago High School Edition was such a breath of fresh air. The material is fun and it allowed all of us to not take ourselves too seriously. Physical acting, ensemble movement, and character development are all my favorite things to do as a director and this show allowed for all three. We really got to play with each scene and through that I was able to teach some new ways of approaching a character. The kids all responded so well to it, which was awesome since they are all mostly on stage the whole time.
However, none of this would have been possible without the help of three wonderful humans: Brendan Turner, Rose Clark, and Rachel Munn. Brendan choreographed the majority of this show, which, as you will see, was a huge undertaking. His creativity, patience, drive, leadership, and love for the show really shows through the entire thing - not just in the dance numbers - and I am eternally grateful that he let us in on his brilliance! Rose Clark has been our lay coach choreographer going on four years now, and she has been such an influence on our kids and their skill level and work ethic. The two numbers she choreographed for us this time are All That Jazz and Razzle Dazzle, which we worked first in the process and started us all off on such a great foot! We can't thank her enough for her creativity, work, and dedication to our kiddos and the program! Finally, I must mention and thank my very own partner-in-crime and bestie, Ms. Rachel Munn. Not only did she do the music for this show, but she also works with our sound technicians to ensure everything is balanced and helps them when issues arise. Additionally, she took over all of the front of house arrangements, getting parent volunteers, running all of the errands, and went above and beyond taking some of the non-music rehearsal days so I could have a bit of a work-life balance and spend some evenings with my family. She is truly the best co-worker and friend, and the program, the school, and I are so lucky and blessed that she is here!
To my husband, Brandon: Thank you for supporting this career and passion of mine and for holding down the fort on late rehearsal and show nights and for making our family a priority every day and night in between, too. Milly and I love and appreciate you so very much. Finally, to our sweet, hilarious, crazy, and loving Milly: I love watching you watch the kids and how you love all of the lighting and dancing! You are your dad's and my greatest adventure - even though that is a cheesy thing to say... We love you more than words could ever express!
Joni Smithwick
