Amelie is a story with a collection of characters who are full of heart, despite having been knocked around by life. Amelie herself, coming from parents who tried their best yet didn’t know how to really love her, is the ultimate representation of this perseverence. She loves to make connections happen for others, to help them find love in their lives, yet doesn’t know how to do that for herself. When Nino appears, another flawed yet beautiful soul, she has to confront her own need for connection. This story is ultimately about how love connects us all, and as imperfect and unguaranteed as it is, it is worth it. As the wise café women tell us, “All the while, while love infects us, the side effect is that love connects us.”
Like so many musicals these days, Amelie began as a movie (2001). The sweet French girl with her active imagination, empathetic and magical outlook, and an inability to connect with others in a ‘normal’ way, won the heart of anyone who saw the movie. The musical version of Amelie, starring Philippa Soo, ran on Broadway in 2017, and then on the West End, beginning in 2019. The musical was changed quite a bit for the West End version, and it was nominated for several Laurence Olivier Awards (the Tony’s in England). This version, with its reimagined score and orchestrations, is the one we are presenting at West. Although the musical wasn’t what we might consider a long-running success on Broadway, it is a beautiful ensemble piece, full of heart and soul. I am excited that the Harlequin Club will be among the first in the area to present this special show. As I knew they would, the students jumped into this show wholeheartedly, as they do with every show.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the production team: Phoenix Fritch, Cheri Snook, Jordan Brennan, Kathryn Morehouse, Sierra Safran, Sydney Periard, and Suzanne Safran. Working with such professional and positive people make even the most challenging times both fun and rewarding. I also want to thank my student leaders, especially Ellie Kuhnle and Addisan Arbogast, for their continual positivity and tremendous work ethic. And seniors—Ellie, Addisan, Olivia, Bella, Lily, Lesley, Jack, Kieran, and Alexis—I cannot wait to see where you fly in your lives. Although selfishly I want you all to stay, I know the world needs your kindness, perseverance, abilities, and empathy. All the students of the Harlequin Club are uniquely special and I think you’ll see that shine through in a wonderful way through Amelie.
Probably the most famous lyric/quote from Amelie is “times are hard for dreamers.” Collectively, as ‘theatre kids’, my team, cast, and crew can relate. Continuing to put on theatre through these past two years has been exhausting physically and emotionally. It has been a trying time here specifically, and certainly in the broader context of the pandemic. But perhaps that is also what makes creating theatre with these people in this space so very special right now. Watching the students thrive as performers, creators, and people brings me joy every rehearsal. Helping to facilitate their dreams is an honor. I am so excited and proud to present this beautiful show to our friends, family, and community.
“They say times are hard for dreamers, and who knows maybe they are, people seem stuck or lost at sea. And I might be a dreamer, but it’s gotten me this far, and that is far enough for me.”
~Jessica Bostock, Director/Choreographer
