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PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM
In addition to our fun and challenging classes, the Performing Arts Academy will extend the training into the vital elements of performance. Some plays will be student directed, others will be directed by guest artists or by the director of the Academy. All plays will be cast with members of the student ensemble.
Because we want to ensure that the productions meet the needs of our ensemble, the actual productions will be chosen once all students of the academy have been selected by August 27, 2008. Students are required to participate in at least one production in some capacity (but may paraticipate in all), either as an actor, technical crew, or administrative staff. For the first two shows, rehearsals will be held in the afternoon, after school, and a few evenings. The musical at the end of the year will have more evening rehearsals.
Productions under consideration* are:
2008 / 2009 SEASON
Fall Production (Black Box Studio Theatre)
- Academy Dreams by the Company
- A pastiche of scenes, monologues and songs following the history of the theatre and spotlighting the talent of the Performing Arts Academy
Winter Productions (Black Box Studio Theatre)
- The Crucible by Arthur Miller
- This exciting drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our contemporary society. The story focuses upon a young farmer, his wife, and a young servant-girl who maliciously causes the wife's arrest for witchcraft. The farmer brings the girl to court to admit the lie—and it is here that the monstrous course of bigotry and deceit is terrifyingly depicted. The farmer, instead of saving his wife, finds himself also accused of witchcraft and ultimately condemned with a host of others.
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WINTER COLD-IMPROV - Directed by Marc Moritz, this evening of improvisation will be presented with members of the Academy Improv Troupe.
Spring Production (One of the following*)
- CHICAGO Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse. Music by John Kander. Lyrics by Fred Ebb.
- The musical is based on a 1926 play of the same name by reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins. The plot involves Velma Kelly (a chanteuse and tease who killed her husband and sister)and Roxie Hart (Who killed her boyfriend when she discovered he wasn't going to make her a star) find themselves on death row together and fight for the fame that will keep them from the gallows in 1920s Chicago. Chicago is one of Broadway's most enduring musical and winner of six Tony Awards
- Celebration, by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt
- Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt bring the bold, adventurous theatrical techniques they pioneered in “The Fantasticks” a step further with this allegorical winter’s tale.
On a magical New Year's Eve, a young Orphan stumbles into the home of the richest man in the world, whose bizarre entourage includes a beautiful fallen Angel. With the Orphan’s help, the jaded Mr. Rich regains his humanity, only to find himself locked in ritualistic battle with the youth for the Angel's love. All of this takes place on a platform surrounded by masked Revelers who participate in the action and wait to see what the winter night will bring. As the new Millennium approaches, this exciting, mythic, seldom-seen theatre piece is as vital and relevant as ever. Like “The Fantasticks,” “Celebration” features a minimal set and cast and flexible orchestrations, and is an ideal choice for black box theatres. Its engaging book exhibits Jones’ unique blend of wry humor and powerful drama while dipping into the waters of experimental theatre; its tuneful score has an edge that makes it one of Jones’ and Schmidt’s most memorable creations.
- The Apple Tree by Bock and Harnick
- From the songwriting team of "Fiddler On The Roof" and "She Loves Me" comes a unique evening of three one-act musicals about men, women and a little thing called temptation. The first, "The Diary Of Adam And Eve," is a quirky, touching spin on the tale of the world's first couple, adapted from Mark Twain's "Extracts From Adam's Diary." The second, The Lady Or The Tiger?," explores the fickleness of love in a rock and roll fable set in a mythical barbarian kingdom. Finally, "Passionella" is based on Jules Feiffer's offbeat Cinderella-story about a chimney sweep whose dreams of being a "glamorous movie star" nearly sabotage her one chance for true love. Witty, tuneful and utterly charming, these fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek musical miniatures may be presented separately or in any combination, to fill out a theatrical evening. Each is modest in production requirements and filled with the warmth and humanity that is the hallmark of Harnick and Bock.
- The Roar of the Greasepaint, the Smell of the Crowd by Anthony Newley and Lesley Bricusse
- The story of Upper Class 'Sir', and lower-class Cocky, and the forever downtrodden. With a chorus of urchins, led by 'the Kid', Roar of the Greasepaint... is kind of Laurel and Hardy in Waiting For Godot comedy set to Music. Resembling a music hall production, the allegorical plot examines the maintenance of the status quo between the upper and lower classes of Briish society in the 1960s. Since Sir forever is changing the rules of the game of life, downtrodden young Cocky always gets the short end of the stick. Assisting Sir is his eager disciple the Kid, anxious to pick up bits of wisdom while helping keep Cocky in his place. The show is replete with show-stopping numbers and heartbreaking songs. "On a Wonderful Day Like Today", "Feelin' Good", "Who Can I Turn To", "Where Would You Be Without Me?" And many more.
*All production dates and titles listed are subject to change. Final announcements of productions and production schedule will be made at the beginning of the school year, 2008.
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