This fall semester we were blessed with many new
students. Was it due to the show GUYS
AND DOLLS that we chose to do or has word gotten around that we are such a fun
and creative class? For whatever reason,
we are over enrolled and Mr. Richard and I are elated! I was thrilled to piece together a shorter
script including even more cutesy 1940’s slang, like Sugar Lips, Doll Face and
Cotton Tail. It’s so over the top – it’s
great fun!
We are into our
third week and we have already taught the music and choreography for three of
the big chorus numbers – “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “Luck Be a Lady,”
and “Oldest Established.” This is a
feat! These teens are really buckling
down and putting their all into their work.
Doing a triple-threat show is really challenging especially when most of
these teens signed up because they simply love music and singing…but now I am
expecting them to be leaping, sashay-ing and knee popping at the same
time. I’ve got to say, after I teach the
movement and then see them execute it on all the correct beats and add
character to it – I literally HOOT and jump up and down! (They all laugh at
me). That feeling is why I LOVE teaching
so much!!!!!
Now, that being
said, we have TONS to still accomplish.
Tristin Hall, one of our loyal seniors, has been chosen to be our
intern. She has stepped up by selecting
and running theater games in class, artistically creating the backdrop for our
set and found some fantastic examples of the style of the era.
In addition to all of this, she is playing
one of the lead gamblers, Nicely Nicely Johnson. With her guidance, we are building and
painting our own set and piecing together costumes from everyone’s closet.
Speaking of
costumes, one of the greatest opportunities is working with Angela Morano– the
hat design teacher for After School Matters.
I inquired if she and her group of teens could design the Hot Box
headbands for our show girl number “Take Back Your Mink.” This is an exciting collaboration of two ASM
classes that utilizes each other’s talents.
With their totally one-of-a-kind headbands designed specifically for our
six dancers, we will showcase their work on stage in full lights and glory. I couldn’t be prouder of this example of how
different groups can complement one another!
What can I
say? This is going to be a great
production with the hearts and souls of our teens portraying 1950 Rat Pack-type
gamblers. Until the final day of
rehearsal, I am praying that “Luck Be A Lady” for us!
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