playbill vip

Welcome to our exciting production of “42nd Street"! It has been a gift to direct these talented students and we are so happy that some 8th grade students joined us this year. 42nd Street opened on Broadway in 1980 and played for over eight years. In 2001, it was revived on Broadway and played for another four years! This musical has it all in my opinion; an endearing, hopeful story that connects to the audience, a music score filled with some of the best-known and beloved songs of the American songbook, and production numbers that allow many moments for the ensemble to shine with their dancing. I was fortunate to be able to choreograph several numbers in this show to alleviate some of the work of our awesome choreographer, Kelsey Levault. I know you will love her creative talents as always. These students have been working very hard since January! Thanks to Rani Gosnell (and Griffin and Sloan) who is literally by my side throughout all aspects of making our show a success. Thanks to Keith Chase, who after 12 years of working together, understands my musical passion and craziness at times! A special thanks to all our sponsors this year. It is quite costly to produce a show with the expenses of rights, costume rental, sound equipment, lights, set pieces, etc. Most importantly, I thank each of you who is here and who supports live theater, music, and the arts. For many of our students, musical theater is the difference between an education that is positive, and one that isn’t. We all know how much we need music in our lives so let’s not forget that is it a fundamental and irreplaceable component of a meaningful education. Now, sit back and enjoy our tapping energy, our melodious songs, and I know I will see you smiling with joy. Afterall, “Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without,” Confucius.

Kathy Fergin, Director