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FR 00 T 7: | DA I DA 5 RY Y, Y & S 4 & PE R MA ATU R H C DAY, M A R D RC AR H6| 2 : 0 0 PM | R I C H
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2022 School Musical r Uppe
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L D I R EC TI O US I C A NB TM T Y B SAMUEL T Y DA A Y H UR W AP NE NIE KO OG R L I R D E R A OR H
BOOK BY RUPERT HOLMES MUSIC BY JOHN KANDER LYRICS BY FRED EBB ORIGINAL BOOK AND CONCEPT BY PETER STONE ADDITIONAL LYRICS BY JOHN KANDER AND RUPERT HOLMES
POLYARTS CURTAINS School Edition BOOK BY
RUPERT HOLMES MUSIC BY
JOHN KANDER LYRICS BY
FRED EBB ORIGINAL BOOK AND CONCEPT BY
PETER STONE ADDITIONAL LYRICS BY
JOHN KANDER AND RUPERT HOLMES Originally Produced on Broadway by Roger Berlind, Roger Horchow, Daryl Roth, Jane Bergère, Ted Hartley, and Center Theatre Group. American Premiere Produced at The Ahmanson Theatre by Center Theatre Group, LA’s Theatre Company. CURTAINS School Edition is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide. 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com
The sound of simulated gunshots will be used in this production. There will be some mature language and innuendo.
A Note from the Performing Arts Department As I welcome you to our Upper School musical, I can’t help but reflect on the last three and a half months that preceded the production before you. The return to theater has been riddled with contradictions, based on the spike and fall of COVID variants, with our young performers caught squarely in the midst. Masking, testing, canceled rehearsals, and more battled with deadlines of song and line memorization, blocking, and choreography. Through it all, the cast stayed steady and the crew readily volunteered. Today, I watch the students flourish both onstage and off, their hard work on full display under seasoned and new-to-us tutelage. This moment allows me to appreciate our students for all that they are, and who they aspire to be. Similarly, I am in continuous amazement of my colleagues, whose vision and joy for their work is apparent always. I invite you to enjoy a musical that was written full of laughter, suspense, and intrigue, but brought to its full life by our talented young artists and production team; an opportunity we haven’t had since March of 2020. Enjoy the show! Ashley Hacker MS/US Dance, Debate & Drama Coordinator
Director’s Note Being a high school student is hard. Being a performer is hard. Being a high school performer during a pandemic is even harder still. But it’s also rewarding. With the return to fully in-person classes this year, and a welcome back to campus for the entire Poly community, I wanted to make sure that the opportunity to perform and go back to some form of normalcy was an option for as many students as possible. Many of our high school students haven’t performed a live musical for an audience in years! Mr. Doughty, Mr. Turner, and I wanted to create a grand welcome back to live theater for our students and the Poly community. Curtains is a unique show, because it combines the grand traditions of Golden Age musical theater with the humor and comedy of modern-day theater. The demands of the heightened over-the-top comedic situations, larger than life characters, complex plot lines, lavish costumes, and giant ensemble numbers hopefully more than make up for the time we’ve lost in the past couple of years.
Curtains is also an important show within the theater canon, as it’s one of the last shows that renowned duo Kander and Ebb (of Cabaret and Chicago fame) wrote together. It’s also one of their longest awaited productions—a process that took nearly two decades and finally culminated in a 2007 Broadway premiere. Throughout the years, it underwent many changes, from just a traditional murder mystery to what is now the quintessential love letter to the hard work and dedication that is required by those involved in theater. As everyone involved in this production knows, the process of putting on a musical is not without its sacrifices. There were missed lessons and games, missed hangouts with friends, missed family vacations, injuries, hours (and hours and hours) of dance rehearsals, and, of course, unexpected but increasingly familiar challenges (Omicron, snowstorms, etc.). But hopefully, this production also serves as a transition back to sharing space and art together again, laughing and smiling and enjoying each other’s company and talents, and bonding over a shared love of musical theater. Being new to Poly and this theater program, I would be remiss if I didn’t also acknowledge the time, effort, and friendship of my co-conspirators in this endeavor—thank you to Mr. Doughty, Mr. Turner, Mr. Higham, Ms. Hacker, and Mr. Robinson for your commitment to this process. I have also been astounded at the talent, dedication, and growth that these young performers have shown over the course of this rehearsal process. They have proven themselves to be independent, artistic, and responsible—true well-rounded Poly students. We are so fortunate to have the support of so many colleagues, friends, and family, and hope that you will enjoy this production as much as we enjoy putting it together for you! Mariko Watt Director
Cast Zeke Wise............................................................................................ Lieutenant Frank Cioffi Hannah Smith+.........................................................................................................Niki Harris Soph Cimmino+........................................................................................Georgia Hendricks Fiona Stephenson+.................................................................................. Carmen Bernstein Jack Yan+.................................................................................................................... Aaron Fox Adrianna Neal*+.................................................................................................Bambi Bernet Niko Menegatos......................................................................................Christopher Belling Katie Lopez+....................................................................................................... Olivia Shapiro Brandon Jackson*+......................................................................................... Bobby Pepper MaKiyah Turner-Hicks*............................................................................. Sidney Bernstein Leo Yihan Wang+..................................................................................................Daryl Grady Anne Vasquez+................................................................................................Joanie Harmon Jasmine Donald*....................................................................................... Jessica Cranshaw Natasha Ellis*+....................................................................................................Randy Dexter Genevieve Fitzpatrick*............................................................................. Roberta Wooster Sundiata Gittens*............................................................................................. Harv Fremont Tristan Kelley*...........................................................................................Detective O’Farrell
Ensemble Stavroula Gabriel, Isabelle Gerling*, Ryan Geisler*, Rani Green, Mia Gordon, Margot Janicik*, Danielle Jason*, Mary Lin, Lulu McDonald*, Juliet Michaelis, Mia Pineda, Sadie Schoenberger, Donald Shields, Drew Waldman, Wendy Zhou
Orchestra John Bowen......................................................................... Piano/Rehearsal Accompanist Angela Jamison......................................................................................................... Keyboard Scott Still...................................................................................................................Percussion Robert Garcia................................................................................................................... Drums Paul Wyatt..............................................................................................................Guitar/Banjo Andrew Hall..........................................................................................................................Bass Harry Hassel.......................................................................................................Wood Winds 1 Amy Griffiths.....................................................................................................Wood Winds 2 Orrin Wilson................................................................................................................... Trumpet Matthew Jaimes................................................................................................................. Horn
*Featured Dancer +Excellence in the Arts
Understudies Isabelle Gerling (Georgia), Jasmine Donald (Carmen), Drew Waldman (Niki), Genevieve Fitzpatrick (Bambi), Mia Gordon (Olivia), Tristan Kelley (Aaron)
Production Staff Mariko Watt................................................................................................................... Director Samuel Turner................................................................................................. Choreographer Daniel Doughty................................................................................................ Music Director Hannah Chalman.....................................................................................Costume Designer Kyle Artone.............................................................................................. Wardrobe Assistant Kate Field............................................................................. Additional Wardrobe Assistant Andrew Murdock............................................................................................. Scenic Design Kate Field.....................................................................................Set Construction Assistant David Higham............................................................ Lighting Design/Technical Director
Student Crew Chanel Montoute, Abe Herzog, Uma Sooran, Maia Kovaleski............... Run Crew Cynthia Sanchez, Jocelyn Lu+, Rahima Libstag....................................... Follow Spot Chaliya Holder, Junie Blaise................................................................................Costumes Dov Weinstein Elul..........................................................................................Lighting Board Tasha Fonstein+, Hank Schilling...............................................................................Sound Anne Vasquez+............................................................................................... Stage Manager Annakaecia Clarke......................................................................Assistant Stage Manager
Meet the Production Staff Mariko Watt (Director) is a seasoned theater director, acting coach, musical director, drama teacher, and performer. She’s very excited to be joining the faculty and doing her first musical at Poly, and to be working with Mr. Doughty, Mr. Turner, and this incredibly talented cast! Prior to Poly Prep, Mariko spent time teaching at the International School of Brooklyn, Brooklyn Children’s Theatre, Queens Theater, and taught for over 15 years in her own private vocal and acting studio. Favorite directing credits include: Sweet Charity, Legally Blonde, Freaky Friday, Suessical, Guys and Dolls, and Annie. Daniel Doughty (Music Director) joined the faculty of Poly Prep in 2006. He teaches Middle and Upper School choral ensembles and general music classes. From 2014 to 2021, he was Department Chair of the Performing Art Department. He currently serves as Director of Music, overseeing music curriculum and programming from Nursery to Grade 12 on both Poly campuses. Mr. Doughty is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the Organization of American Kodaly Educators, the National Association for Music Educators, and the New York State School Music Association. He serves on the Kodaly Organization of New York board and is co-chair of their annual fall Diversity and Equity Summit. Curtains is his 15th Poly production as musical director. Mr. Doughty would like to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of this production’s rehearsal accompanist, John Bowen (thank you, John!), and congratulate Ms. Watt and Mr. Turner on their first Poly production! Samuel Turner (Choreographer) New to the extraordinary faculty at Poly Prep, dance educator Sam Turner began his training in music and dance in high school. He was coached and mentored by Violette Verdy, Guillaume Graffin, Julie Kent, Jacque Cesbron, Iris Rosa and George Pinney at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, performing principal roles within the classical, contemporary, and African diaspora repertoire. Upon graduation, he moved back to the East Coast to dance with leading choreographers Mark Morris, Twyla Tharp, Graham Lustig, Elisa Monte, Jennifer Archibald, Lisa de Ribera, Tiffany Rea-Fisher, and Karen Gayle. He has toured throughout North America and Europe with The Metropolitan Opera, The Radio City Rockettes, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Dance Theatre, Cirque du Soleil, Roxey Ballet, American Repertory Ballet, and the Elisa Monte Dance Company. His passion for dance paved the way for dance education and choreographic projects, creating/ staging original pieces for dancers at The Harlem School of the Arts, The Joffrey Ballet School, Ballet Tech, American Youth Dance Theater, TAG Young Scholars, STEPS on Broadway Youth, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Ballet Theater, Princeton Ballet School, Kicks Dance Studio, Diva Dance, and Art of Dance. As an ABT® NTC certified Fellow & Affiliate Teacher, he coaches and mentors students who are accepted into performing arts institutions and excellence programs.
Hannah Chalman (Costume Designer) is a costume designer, costume technician, and makeup artist from Tennessee. Ms. Chalman received her MFA in Costume Design from Virginia Commonwealth University and her BA in Theatre from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Before joining Poly Prep, Ms. Chalman worked as the Costume Design Assistant for Long Wharf Theatre’s 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 seasons. Other credits include working as Assistant Costume Designer for Othello (The Public Theatre—Shakespeare in the Park), Assistant Costume Designer for Admissions (Lincoln Center Theatre), and as a Personal Assistant to Toni-Leslie James for Come from Away (Broadway). Andrew Murdock (Scenic Designer) is an interdisciplinary artist and educator. He has worked at Puppetry in Practice and Marquis Studios teaching classes in video, puppetry, and stop motion animation (K–12 in NYC public schools). His personal work often bridges the tangible and digital by utilizing techniques in video, physical theater, and puppetry. He holds a customized BFA dual major in Sculpture and Film, Animation, Video (FAV) from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA in Theatre from Sarah Lawrence College focusing on collaborative theater-making and the integration of technology. Recent credits include: Video Designer and Livestream Technician for 36.5 / PROCESS by Sarah Cameron Sunde (Socrates Sculpture Park/Hallett’s Cove, NYC), commissioned video project Amass (ArtYard, Frenchtown, NJ), and Co-director/Co-creator of Be(ings) (Center at West Park, NYC). This is Mr. Murdock’s second year at Poly Prep and he is very excited to help highlight the students’ work and contribute to the space live and onstage. David Higham (Lighting Designer & Technical Director) is in his thirtieth year at Poly, where he has been responsible for designing the lighting, sound, and scenery for over 170 productions. In addition to his work at Poly, Mr. Higham has designed lighting for productions at The Public Theater, Lincoln Center, the Irish Arts Center, The Women’s Project, The Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, and The National Shakespeare Company, among others. Mr. Higham also has worked as a lighting designer for several New York City architectural and landscape design firms.
A Note About Our Rehearsal Process and Safety Protocols Due to the current health and safety protocols, we made several adjustments to our rehearsal process, which are outlined below. In preparation for our auditions, rehearsals, and productions, we worked closely with Sarah Zuercher, Director of Health and Well-Being, and Renae Beauchman, COVID Safety Coordinator, to create these protocols: • Staging and choreography adhered to state and national guidelines • Cast members were tested every Thursday during the rehearsal process and Wednesday through Sunday the week of the performance. • Cast members were masked and socially distanced while rehearsing. A week before performances, cast were allowed to unmask for rehearsal only. While not on stage, cast and crew maintained safe distance and used masks. • The first three rows of theater seating are blocked off. • Musicians tested before arrival daily. • Cast and crew were asked to sit in the theater or be backstage while unmasked students were performing onstage.
Our Production Would Not Be Possible without the Generous Support of: Audrius Barzdukas P’20 Head of School Michal Hershkovitz P’16, ’18 Assistant Head of School, Academics Sarah Bates Head of Upper School Michael Robinson Head of Arts Daniel Doughty Director of Music Ashley Hacker MS/US Dance, Debate & Drama Coordinator The members of the Performing Arts faculty, the Engagement & Communications Department, the Poly Prep IT Staff, the Facilities and Maintenance Department, the Security Staff, the Kitchen Staff, and the Upper School Deans.
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Join Us for These Upcoming Performing Arts Events Spring Dance Concert Friday & Saturday, April 8 & 9, 2022 7:00 PM | richard perry theatre Spring Vocal Concert Thursday, April 21, 2022 7:00 PM | memorial chapel Spring Instrumental Concert & Arts Festival Thursday. April 28, 2022 7:00 PM | memorial chapel Middle School Musical: 13 the Musical Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown Book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn Thursday & Friday, May 12 & 13, 2022 7:00 PM | richard perry theatre
Stay tuned for more information about our upcoming events!