Special Thanks
Freedom Theatre Boosters; FHS Fine and Peforming Arts Department; FHS Administration, FHS Faculty & Staff, FHS Media Center; FHS Custodial Staff; Douglas Fulton; Hope Casserly; Veronica Short; Chris Hill; Minuteman Press; John Potock; Jason McGraw; Anne O'Brien; Dana Van Slyke; Sherry Rice; Daphne Burke; The Steadman Family; Shane and Eric Wickham; Drama Parents; Sarah Evers; Carl Eklund; Catherine Holcomb; Nicki Cabaniss and John Champe Costume Department; The Taylor Family; Tech Theatre II class; Glory Days; Little River, Liberty and Hutchison Farms Elementary Administration; The cast and crew of In Harmony; The Home Depot; Artistic Concepts Group
Director's Note:
The world is constantly abuzz with the fervor of change, with modern ideas, and innovation. Whether it is the newest smartphone or app, we are constantly in demand of the next best thing, and this mentality has been alive in American society since its beginning. In 2019, it may be airpods, but in 1927, it was the introduction of “talking pictures” in filmmaking. Is new technology going to be the end of Monumental Pictures, or will the studio be able to embrace the use of sound recording in their movies? 1920s America may seem iconic for its fast-paced jazz music, its flashy lifestyle, and its economic prosperity, but it was also an era for reinventing the American Dream, particularly in the entertainment industry. The world is constantly changing, and the adaptability of its people is the true topic talked about nearly one hundred years after the fact.
This timeless and high tempo musical encapsulates a budding romance between two unlikely strangers: Kathy Seldon, a hopeful young triple threat, and Don Lockwood, a charming silent-film star, who happens to sit next to Kathy on a bench one day while trying to escape a swarm of fans. After she mocks him for not being a “real” actor, their story begins with a pie in the face and unfolds on the set of Monumental Picture’s first talking picture, The Duelling Cavalier. With the help of his spunky best friend, Cosmo Brown, and in spite of his outrageous co-star, Lina Lamont, Don helps Kathy break into the entertainment industry. The movie set becomes the stage for many melodious, ridiculous, and downright hilarious moments as the producers and directors race the clock to the premiere of their first film with sound.
This musical has challenged, stretched, motivated, and empowered the students of Freedom Theatre in an incredible way. What started as tap club on Wednesday mornings and a dream to make it rain real water on stage has developed into a fully realized and beautiful production. This show, like this program, would not operate without the creativity, determination, and passion of these students. Like the first talking picture, the task of pulling this production off was daunting, but it came together as if “out of a dream.” I am so thankful that I have had the opportunity to direct this exhilarating and humorous musical with such an equally hilarious and energetic group of young people.
The students who have been a part of this production have helped develop the Freedom Theatre work ethic in such a positive way, and I am so proud of what they have accomplished. Specifically, the musical finesse of music director Justin Streletz, the talent of the student choreographers, Ethan Van Slyke and Austin Taylor, and the creative inspiration of student assistant directors Kensley Hess and Amanda Wilfong made this show come to life. The support from the parents gave the cast and crew every bit of delicious food, extra energy, or anything else we may have needed to put on this show. Thank you all for being a part of this “glorious feeling!”
Rachel Novi
Director of Drama
