Dear Audience Member,
It is my honor and pleasure to welcome you to the third production of the BMS Theatre Arts Company. I have had the honor of being the director for these wonderful students for the last three years, and their talent and heart continue to amaze me.
When choosing a show, I rely completely on an organic reaction- I don't choose a show, the show finds its way into my path. A few years ago, my first lead and original "favorite" did Legally Blonde with The Barn Theatre. I had forgotten what a beautifully "girl power" show this was- and it had been on my radar ever since. When considering shows for this year, I was reminded of how I have one of the best "girl power" groups ever assembled in middle school theatre, and I needed to pay homage to that. The themes of this show also resonate regardless of age, race, social status, or gender identity- YOU are worth it. Though Elle may be blonde, she is worth it. Though Paulette may be shy- she is worth it. Though there may be something that sets any of us apart from the crowd- WE are all worth it. I pray these messages stay with them as they grow older.
I must give a special shoutout to Ms. Karen-Ann Panico, director of Musical Theatre at Buzz Aldrin Middle School, and my personal lifesaver. Through the best student teacher I have ever had, Ms. Panico and I were able to connect and the beautiful sets you see here tonight are a result of that rental partnership. Buzz Aldrin Middle School actually has a set design class, and as we do not have a set designer, we were honored to be able to rent these gorgeous student produced sets.
This third show marks the end of a small era for BMS Theatre- all students who were sixth-graders during Hairspray Jr. will now be graduating 8th grade in a few short weeks! I have been honored to be these students first director, and can't wait to see what high school brings them. Seeing these students in high school is especially great for me, as I am a high school teacher and my journey with them does not end here. I must give a special moment to two 8th graders I could not be more proud of- Ms. Carmela Urbano and Ms. Sofia Vinasco. Carm- I can still see your audition for Penny in Hairspray in my mind- you were a baby and so shy! In an incredibly short period of time- you have blossomed into a talented young woman who can handle anything that gets in your way. Your strength and good judgment are something your peers look to, and I will miss that! Sofia- the last time I ever named anyone stage manager was when Miss Katie was a senior- I have not trusted anyone enough since then to give them such an important role. Having said that, there was no question in any of our minds that you were the young lady for the job. I was very much looking forward to seeing someone from BMS Theatre rock it in the high school show's stage crew! MKA should defintely realize what an incredibly talented young lady they are getting- if not we are bringing you back!
On behalf of the cast, crew, and staff of BMS Theatre Arts, I would be remiss without thanking the following people. First, I must thank the Board of Education, Mr. Royale, and the entire staff of BMS for being behind this group every step of the way. I must also give a special thanks to Mr. Percio, Mr. Johns, Ms. Austin, and Mr. Foronea for always being willing to work with whatever we needed!
On behalf of myself and the rest of the production staff, thank you to you the parents! Your support keeps your children going, and what you will see onstage tonight is the result of months of drive and hard work.
Finally, I need to thank my dream team- Mr. Sentina, Ms. Celina, and Ms. Katie- who's tireless efforts on behalf of our BMS students and theatre in Belleville are beyond incredible. You are all rockstars.
Thank you again for attending our show- in these crazy times, may we bring you a short period of entertainment and a smile to brighten your day!
Sincerely,
Jamie L. Conway
Advisor/Director
BMS Theatre Arts Company
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