Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you for joining us here at Abington Heights High School for our annual fall musical production. This year, we are fulfilling a dream of mine in presenting the high school version of my favorite musical, Chicago. My first experience with this show and its unique, famed stylized choreography was over twenty years ago during my senior year of high school. On a break during a rehearsal for our musical that year, the choreographer taught us the opening dance sequence from “All That Jazz.” I was, as they say, hooked, so much so that I jumped at the opportunity not even six months later to see the full show on Broadway. It was the first time I had seen a musical where dance was the principle story-telling element. Not only that, but it was the first show in the style of musical theatre legend Bob Fosse that I had the pleasure of experiencing. Since that day, I have taught various numbers from the show to different groups, but I had never had the opportunity to stage the full show- until now. For that, I cannot thank enough my collaborators who were ready, willing, and able to give their time and talents to make sure this show went off without a hitch- Dana Cerminaro, Zack Monahan, and Roseanne Michaels.
Next, a heartfelt “Thank you!” goes to the families of those involved in Chicago, including ours, for all of the rides, donations and schedule adjustments that you have made to ensure the success of the show. We are most grateful to you for lending us your children for the past two months and for your support of the arts here at Abington Heights High School.
Our sincerest appreciation goes to the administration of Abington Heights High School and Middle School, as well as to the Board of Directors, Dr. Mahon, and Dr. Wyantt, for their continued support of the arts in the Abington Heights School District. Thank you for recognizing the importance of theatre and music in the lives of our students and in the betterment of society. The memories and lessons the students have experienced during this process will last them a lifetime, and we are all forever grateful for having been able to perform this show for our school and its community.
Finally, to the cast, crew, and pit members- thank you for trusting us to lead you in the right direction. Thank you for giving us your all each and every day in rehearsals. And thank you for sharing your time, dedication, and talents with us and each other in pursuit of musical theatre excellence.
Yours in the arts,
Nicholas P. Lazor, Director/Choreographer
Dana Cerminaro, Musical Director
John Zachary Monahan, Producer
Roseanne Michaels, Technical Director