Astonishing!

Deerfield Windsor School is known for its wide variety of extracurricular activities and the talented students who participate in each.  From athletics to clubs, students can be found doing just about anything.  Perhaps one of the most well-known and enjoyed groups is the performing arts.  Each year, large audiences anxiously await the spring musical.  However, a major and less publicized event for the Thespians each year is the One Act Play.  
     

     For those unfamiliar with the Deerfield Windsor performing arts, the One Act Play is a performing arts competition in which schools statewide perform the play of their choice and hope to win best overall.  The play consists (as its name implies) of a one act play that fits in a one hour time frame.  Schools first compete in a regional competition, and the two best from region move on to the state competition.  This year, DWS has chosen the play Little Women.  This play tells the story of the four March sisters: Amy, Beth, Jo, and Meg, as well as their mother, Marmee.  It follows their struggles and challenges as they grow up to become "little women".  The DWS version features Macy Williams as Amy, Amy Baker as Beth, Emily Stone as Jo, Claire Allen as Meg, Caroline Davis as Marmee, and Jase Wingate as Laurie, Jo's love interest in the story.  

      One of the most interesting aspects about this year's production of Little Women is that it is a musical.  It features songs such as "Astonishing", "Five Forever", and "Take a Chance on Me".  Students from DWS have the opportunity to showcase their singing talents statewide.  Not only does the show include music, but also a heartfelt story full of love, sisterhood, and a little bit of sword fighting.  Directed by Lindsey Stewart and Dianne Giddens, this will surely be a show to see.  Stewart comments, "The chemistry between this year's cast is great.  I think we have a really good chance of placing this year and will put on a great show."  Fortunately for the students, the play will be performed for the DWS high school students prior to the state competition.

     This year's One Act Play is guaranteed to succeed.  It showcases DWS's diverse, talented student body and allows students to use their natural talents.  DWS certainly fosters in its students a passion for the theatre and performing arts at a young age.  Bottle Tree Productions Blog does an excellent job of explaining the importance of community to actors and actresses, so come out and support the performing arts!  Break a leg, cast and crew!

Exit Stage Right,

Claire (Meg)

Phantom of the Opera

Last week our blogger/stage crew member Jase focused on a musical many people may not have heard of before. But this week, we're going back to more of the classic stage. Phantom of the Opera is perhaps one of the most well-known and interesting stories to ever grace a Broadway stage. One lesser known fact about this musical is that it was originally a French novel, later adapted to the stage, written by Gaston Leroux and published in 1909. Surprisingly, the book was considerably unpopular when it was first published, as compared to the popularity of the Broadway version. Subsequently, when most people hear Phantom of the Opera, they think of Andrew Lloyd Webber's 1986 musical production.
This famous tale tells the story of Christine, a young girl who is given a part in the chorus of the Paris Opera. The story follows Christine's relationship with Erik, a disfigured man living in the cellars of the opera. Throughout the story, the "Phantom" remains a mysterious character, occasionally causing chaos at the opera. The story appeals to many because it incorporates love, passion, suspense, mystery, and music all into one story. Currently, the play features Ramin Karimloo as Erik the "Phantom", Gina Beck as Christine, and Simon Bailey as Raoul (Erik's competition for Christine's heart).
Aside from the fact that Phantom of the Opera is one of the most compelling and mysterious tales, one might ask why the story has not only lasted through the years but has taken many different forms. The story encapsulates a classic love story- beautiful girl, two men competeing for her heart, a sort of "good versus evil" complex. As well as books and musicals, Phantom of the Opera has also been seen on the big screen. The stage and cinema are able to make Leroux's work come to life with music and fantastic visual images. While it is a very distinct story, it seems to be versatile in the manner it is presented, which may explain why it has lasted through the years.

Exit Stage Right,
Director Claire

"I'm Alive"

Ever have the sensation you were going crazy? Well, the main character of Next to Normal is there with you. Next to Normal is a Broadway show that debuted in April 2009. It tells the story of Diana Goodman who is a woman living with bipolar disorder. Along with her husband and daughter, she tries to cope with the memory of her dead son and live a normal life. This compelling show is littered with an amazing score of music and leaves the viewer yearning for more. The songs include favorites such as "Superboy and the Invisible Girl", "I'm Alive", "I am the One", and "You Don't Know".

This beautiful rock opera is directed by Michael Greif, the same man who directed the musical Rent. Many of the elements found in Rent are seen in Next to Normal, especially the dancing. Nonetheless, Greif has sent another exuberant musical to the streets of Broadway. This musical contains an all star cast including: Alice Ripley as Diana Goodman, Aaron Tveit as Gabriel Goodman, J. Robert Spencer as Dan Goodman, and Jennifer Damiano as Natalie Goodman.

Compared to other musicals, Next to Normal discusses a very touch subject, bipolar disorder. It is not unexpected, though, because Greif covered the topic of AIDS in his last musical. Next to Normal also has a very intricate set of a two story house onstage which sets the tone and expresses the musical to its full potential. It is definitely a show to see and hopefully you will get the chance to see it soon.

Thanks for the read. Hope to see you back stage again soon!

Exit Stage Left,

Leading Man Jase

Welcome!

Welcome to Behind the Curtain!

We're so glad you came by to visit us. While you're here, check out our first blog post. Looking to learn more about musical theatre and the performing arts? Our purpose is to inform people about some of the latest happenings in the theatre world. Take a look around our site and our blogroll. And be sure to participate in our poll this week! Well, stay classy! (Exit stage left)

Love,

Kelsey, Claire, and Jase