A NOTE FROM MR. BERGMANN
For the first time since 2005, I haven't spent my entire week at Parkland as a member of the staff, but I am glad to still be a part of the community, even if it is part-time. I am very grateful to Ms. Goldiner for taking over the drama club and for asking me back to work with her and these incredible students again this year. When we surveyed the kids as to what shows they would like to see us perform next year, there was very little agreement. There were a few that popped up multiple times, but they were mostly Disney or other shows that have been performed by many Middle Schools before. Much to our surprise, Singin' in the Rain got more than a few votes. When Ms. Goldiner and I discussed it, we thought it would be a great show to undertake. Singin' in the Rain would allow the students who have worked with us before to do something that would thoroughly stretch them as a performer. Our last two shows were Shrek and Beauty and the Beast, two very well-known properties to them. Singin' in the Rain, on the other hand, offered us a chance to expose them to something that most of them knew nothing about, the idea of the silent film as well as a period they have no exposure to, the 1930's. Also, the dance style in this show is much more rigid and structured than either Shrek or Beauty and the Beast. I have to admit though; I was a little hesitant about the show too because I wasn't sure the kids would understand or connect with it. That hesitancy went away on the first day of rehearsal when Ms. Goldiner and I showed them the original film. Having seen the movie multiple times, I spent my time watching the kids instead. Once they began laughing in all the right places and genuinely enjoying it, I was relieved.
I have to thank my cast and crew who have done a phenomenal job of creating the world of 1930's Hollywood. It has been a joy. My high school assistants, Arianna, Gustavo, Nia and Sabrina we couldn't have done this without your help. I am very proud of the young people you are becoming. Thank you for giving up your time to come back and help teach the students. Thanks to Mrs. Yang for allowing me to return and be a part of the show. Mr. [first name] Perkins for constructing our street lamp and Mr. [first name] Moeller for his work on our lighting as well as helping to hang our scrim and projector. Finally, I want to thank Ms. Brooke Goldiner, my partner in this whole crazy endeavor. This show would never have happened without her. I can't thank her enough; she is a fantastic friend as well as a remarkable colleague. Her personality, organization, creativity, and sense of fun are all over this show. She is truly one of a kind! We hope you enjoy the show and it makes you go home and spend some time "Singin' in the Rain!"
Sincerely,
Rick Bergmann
Director
A NOTE FROM MS. GOLDINER
“Good morning. Good morning! It’s great to stay up late!”
I remember being exposed to this musical at a young age and this was one of the several classic musicals that inspired me to keep dancing! I recall watching a documentary about Gene Kelly’s career and he once said “Dance is a sport.” I have come to believe that Mr Kelly was perfectly right about that!
