It's the Roaring Twenties and a cast of outrageous characters gather in New York to celebrate the wedding of wealthy playboy Jimmy Winter. But things don't go as planned when the playboy meets Billie Bendix, a bubbly and feisty bootlegger who melts his heart. The champagne flows and the gin fizzes in the hilarious, Tony®-winning musical comedy Nice Work If You Can Get It.
This brand-new musical features a treasure trove of George and Ira Gershwin’s most beloved, instantly recognizable tunes set in a fresh and funny song-and-dance spectacular with a book by Tony winner Joe DiPietro (Memphis) and direction and choreography by three-time Tony winner Kathleen Marshall (Anything Goes).
This is officially my twelfth show at Monte Vista, as I am now finishing up my fourth year. The freshmen who had to endure this sweaty, fast-talking, rookie are now getting ready to don their caps and gowns and head off to new adventures. Four of the amazing students I started with actually stuck with me all four years, and will always have a special place in my heart. Katie, Salvina, Zach, and Jake- thanks for sticking it out and helping shape our drama family.
To all of the seniors- Go make your life happen! You have proven that you are capapble of seeing a project from concept to reality. You have learned to appreciate the process and know that this is where joy really is, not in those few 'big moments' most people wish for. You have fought through adversity, learned to schedule your time, balanced different personalities, and shared in communal joy! You have made an indelible mark on my life and the drama program. You have passed on an amazing legacy.
Each of my students has filled me with such joy and created a truly amazing life. I am fortunate to have many of my graduates come back, call, or text and let me know where their lives are going. Every student, from those who just did a single year of Drama I, to those who dedicate countless hours beyond my expectations, has helped to write the script of my story here. I have shared tears with students and parents, laughed uncontrollably over nothing at all, and been honored by having a place in all of your lives.
I wouldn't have made it this far without a legion of family, friends, students, co-workers, and parents who have supported me and help make fanciful dreams a reality. While each of you deserves a page of adoration, I do need to give special thanks to a few. Jodi Reed survived the crazy drama kids AND her first year at MV. She's a rockstar and a wonderful addition to our family. Peña, Soucy, and Gov have supported the program and me with their friendship, advice, and even throwing on paint clothes to help out with the set!
I would also like to thank the admin for their support and willingness to let the crazy drama teacher do his think. Most importantly, I want Janet Terranova to know that I will never forget her for giving me this amazing opportunity. I didn't know that life could be this good, or that a principal would actually do anything (like drive three hours to pick me up) in her power to create a welcoming and wonderful environment to teach and learn. You will be dearly missed, Janet.
It has been a wild ride! Tim Morris, Maureen Rowe, Christine Oldfather, and the rest of the new Monte Vista Theatre Friends decided to help more of our dreams come true. I am hoping you are reading this while listening to the music over our new state-of-the-art sound system. They were unafraid to ask the community to help support our students, and you all came through with flying colors! Whether it was buying some chocolate, showing up to get your car washed, or passing along our pleas to your friends and family, the gorgeous sounds you are hearing (or will hear soon) is our thanks being amplified for us!
Where do we go from here? Truly, the sky is the limit! Every year, new students come into the drama room, wanting to stretch their imaginations and push the bar higher and higher. All it takes is for them to walk into class and look up at the words posted above the front door. Our legacy has been built on a simple concept. Each student must simply believe those three, simple words: You Are Enough.
Chris Connor, 5/18/2015
