Director's Note
It’s Saturday, in late January, and I’m sitting at a desk in the music department. I can hear The Little Mermaid parent and student crews busily outside sawing and painting our beautiful sets and props. I peer out and look into room 41 and see that it is packed with costumes; an amazing cast that is energetically trying them on; and the costume crew which is scattered around every inch of available space working with the cast, hemming, tacking, and cutting cloth where needed. Our character leads are working with Rick Reynolds in the band room, and out back, Mr. Song is taking photos of each cast member for this Playbill with assistance from Erin Jensen a cast parent and BMS Office Assistant. Our incredible choreographer, Jayne Zaban, just left after checking in to make sure our dancers would be able to twirl and plié with ease in their costumes. I’m suddenly reminded of last night’s amazing orchestra practice, a group of musicians that is completely comprised of current and alumni students, and of course Mr. McElroy.
A big smile comes across my face because of the love and dedication I see all around me for this show from cast, parents and staff.
To me, there is nothing like this community. It’s a place where parents, students, staff and alumni come together, roll up their sleeves, and get to work for one purpose—to bring joy and meaning to our kids. Middle school can be a tough road to navigate sometimes—but being together in this—is so rewarding.
Besides the vast number of people listed in this program, there are so many, many, more who were part of this production. Thank you! Thank you, if you supported us by eating at Chipotle or Mod Pizza for our fundraisers or supported me with your kind words and encouragement along the way.
Thank you for letting us Be a Part of Your World…and for being here today for this performance! May your Wildest Dreams come true!
Principal's Note
Welcome to the 41st annual Bowditch musical, The Little Mermaid. This production is a very special show, with many familiar songs and characters. Our director and drama teacher, Terri Smith, has collaborated with our performers, crew, parents and teachers to create a beautiful world “under the sea,” for our enjoyment. Bowditch music teacher David Song doubles as our music director for the production also. I like to mention that every member of our live orchestra is either a current Bowditch student or alumni student, except for our very own music teacher, Jason McElroy. Sally Barger, our art teacher, has contributed her leadership to the play’s art/set department, and Manjira Datta, one of our 6th grade Social Studies teachers has been in charge of our publicity. These teachers have donated countless hours to make this production a success. I appreciate our amazing Bowditch families and parents also, who have shown up on weekends and evenings to build, sew and create our props, sets and costumes. We are so fortunate to have the support of our faculty and families. The students in this year’s production are doing an amazing job of balancing the extra hours of play practice with their school work and other obligations. I know you will enjoy the show, and congratulations to Ms. Smith and our cast and crew for all of their hard work in creating the magical world of The Little Mermaid.
Gypsy Robe & Techie Robe
Built on a tradition dating back to 1950, the Gypsy Robe is a garment bestowed on the opening night of a Broadway musical to the chorus member (or gypsy) with the largest number of Broadway credits to his/her name. Here at Bowditch we carry on the same tradition, but with a bit of a twist. The Gypsy Robe is given to an eighth grade chorus member who has contributed immensely to the production. This person is one who is respected by his/her fellow cast mates and someone who is always willing to go the extra mile in contributing to the overall success of the show. This year’s recipients are Alana Bender and Audrey Simmons.
Another tradition was started many years ago at Bowditch where we acknowledge a crew person who has had a vital part of the production. This year our Techie Robe goes to a backstage crew member Joshua Wolfgram. He has been
a crew member for the past three years and his commitment and passion on crew are evident to all.
