Preview: ‘Night on Broadway’ Puts the Spotlight on Student Performers

By: Michael Hsiu

The first and only showing of Night on Broadway is to take place on October 5 in the Little Theatre. Tickets are available for the show only or for a dinner and show.

The dinner begins at 5:30 PM, while the show itself will begin at 7:00 PM. Dinner will also be held in the Little Theatre, and will have a New York-esque theme. Food choices will resemble items that might be seen on the streets of New York, including hot dogs, pizza, salads, chips, drinks, themed desserts, and vegetarian options. The musical review will feature parts from different Broadway shows, songs, dance numbers, and instrumentals of both group and solo varieties. Some featured musical performances will include selections from favorites such as Shrek, Matilda, and Doctor Horrible.

Planning for the event began at the conclusion of the 2012-13 school year, with Producer Tanya Roundy spearheading the operation. Drama and choir students were asked to pick a song or piece from a Broadway performance and to make it performance-ready in a month. Auditions were held on September 9, and all of the auditioning groups were accepted, with a total of 20 group and solo acts. The participants are incredibly diverse: actors consist of not only MSJ students but also students from other neighboring schools, including Irvington High School and Kennedy High School. The stage crew was selected from the student drama production team under the guidance of choir teacher and stage crew supervisor Jason Aucoin. Singers and actors began practicing for the event during the summer. Group rehearsals were held in Aucoin’s theatrical class, while other rehearsals were led by Roundy, who educated students on multiple dramatic techniques such as showmanship and blocking, the strategic positioning of actors.

When asked about the show, Roundy said, “It will be a fun evening. Dinner, family, a show, it’ll be an amazingly great time.” She also said that the audience could expect to enjoy the great talent of the performers, and hopefully learn to tap and sing along to favorites and even new songs not heard before. Tickets for the show and dinner are $15 for adults; $10 for children/UP. Tickets for the show only are $8 for adults and $5 for children/UP. Tickets may be ordered online at: https://www.showtix4u.com/boxoffice.php?submit=Search+for+Events&begin=1542968&current_client=0344161209131156&ts=1379890659

Tickets will also be available at the door. You can contact UP members or email up.msjhs@gmail.com for more information.