Prepare to be wowed, Broadway style!
A dynamic cast of 53 students from Howe Sound Secondary's musical theatre program will draw upon their combined talents to star in the hit Broadway musical 42nd Street - a toe-tapping, foot-stomping romp full of music, dance and comedy.
Billed as "the Broadway musical for people who love Broadway musicals," 42nd Street is the second-longest-running American musical in Broadway history. From the opening of its pre-Broadway engagement at the Kennedy Center Opera House in July of 1980, there has hardly been a week when 42nd Street hasn't been playing somewhere in the world.
And now you don't have to travel all the way to the Big Apple to see it.
"We chose the play because we wanted a musical where many characters could become involved," said director Janice Carroll. "There are lots of interesting character roles and big production numbers for a large chorus."
Carroll has directed eight musicals at HSSS in the past 20 years, all of which have been supported by strong casts and crews.
"There's no way I could do this alone - I've always had a great crew of people helping me out," she said.
"Parents, teachers and students all get involved, and it becomes a community-based production."
The musical theatre program at HSSS has seen a huge rise in interest over the years, as more and more students are shedding the self-conscious skin of performing in front of an audience. They are realizing their talents and wanting to share.
The students have been rehearsing for more than three months under the watchful eye of experienced director Carroll and have gained valuable experience and many new friendships along the way.
"It's been very fun," said Audrey Rakurea, who plays Maggie Jones. "It's been exciting, nerve-wracking and tiring, but very fun. You experience many different aspects and learn a lot of new things. Being part of this play has brought people together - all in all it's a really good play."
With only a few days to rehearse before Wednesday's opening, the cast and crew are frantically busy trying to finalize all aspects of the play.
"There's been a lot of interest in this production," said Carroll. "The time commitment for these kids has been huge but they've all had a great time."
42nd Street is produced by Michael Hewitt with all choreography done by Jasmine Harron. Fran Booth serves as musical director with Shannon Jonah as the vocal coach.
The Special Gala Evening in Squamish is set for Wednesday (April 28), at 7:30 p.m. at the Eagle Eye Theatre at HSSS. Tickets are available at Stylezone and HSSS. The play runs until May 8.
