RSS Feed
|
|
Links: |
 |
Bee Home Page |
|
WNY Events |
|
Classifieds |
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
'The Pajama Game'
"We all work in a pajama factory, and we're petitioning for a raise," said senior Mary Boatman, who plays Mabel. Boatman is joined by senior Megan Kwietniewski as Babe, the main character who carries on a romantic relationship with the factory's superintendent, Sid, played by senior Pat Alison. Rounding out the cast leads are senior Mark Perkins, who plays Hines; senior Rachel Shatkin, who plays Gladys; and junior Taylor Gesel, as the president of the union. "There are a lot of story lines going on at one time," Gesel said of the plot. "It's a great score with American classics," said producer and director Roger Paolini. "There are some songs that became standards like 'Hey There, You With the Stars in Your Eyes,' 'Hernando's Hideaway' and 'Steam Heat.'" While the students in the drama program strive for excellence with each performance, several noted that this year's musical was a familiar story line with likable music, which they hope will draw in audiences.
"The music is really good and fast-paced, and there are a lot of really great, quirky characters," agreed Kwietniewski. Another draw for audiences, according to the students, is the dancing, which is at a new level this year. "It's not just technical stuff, but there are a lot of intricate details, like (choreographer Bob) Fosse had," noted Shatkin. South's choreography was done by Robert Cooke, a professional choreographer who has worked at various theaters in the area, according to Paolini. Vocal director for the show is Catherine Ludwig, and orchestra director is Matthew Cool. As for quality, Paolini said musicals at the high school level are an inexpensive way for families to see shows.
Paolini noted that many people are reluctant to see a high school musical because of previous experiences as high school students themselves. "They think of how musicals were when they were kids, and they think it's going to be bad," he said. But he noted that musicals at the high school level are reaching all-time highs in quality. "That's what we're always aiming at," he said when asked if the South musical stacks up against professional theater. "High schools are getting better because the technology and the students are getting more sophisticated." The show will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 7-9, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 in the high school's auditorium, 5950 Main St., Williamsville. Tickets will be available presale on Friday, Feb. 4 and at the door before performances. All tickets cost $8. For more information or tickets, call the school at 626-8200.
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
News
)
)
)
)