In 2005 I had the privilege of being asked by Lynda Hodgins to assist her as the vocal director for the Batavia Rotary production of Thoroughly Modern Millie. At that point it was still a relatively new musical, being produced in 2002 on Broadway, starring the incredibly talented Sutton Foster. It has built a reputation as being the best musical you’ve never heard of. (Shocking, considering it won 6 of the 11 Tony’s it was nominated for, including Best Musical and Leading Actress.) I worked with many fantastic artists during the run of that show, and I learned so much about the world of direction through such a respected thespian as Lynda Hodgins. I remember leaving that production having such a sense of accomplishment. So often the theatre will leave a performer heart sick - like you’ve lost a good friend. I left that production having the distinct feeling that it would not be long until our paths would cross again.
Fast-forward to 2009. I was getting ready for my third production here at Pembroke, The Wizard of Oz, and I was in need of some seriously cute munchkins. I was presented with an opportunity to direct the Intermediate School Musical, so I wrote a short show (pun intended) The Musical Munchkins of Oz. Many of the students you will see today were in that show. As I worked with these 3rd-6th graders (now 8-11th) I had a feeling Thoroughly Modern Millie would be in our future - five years ago.
Choosing this production was easy. After such heavy shows as Fiddler on the Roof, The Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast and last year’s Les Miserables, we as a department were craving something light hearted, jazzy and… well… fun. Thoroughly Modern Millie fit all those requirements.
Even though our production is upbeat, like many musicals, it takes a very serious humanitarian issue and makes light of it. While we will take time tonight to laugh at the farce of Mrs. Meers trying to abduct orphaned girls and shipping them to China, I would like to address the seriousness and scary reality of human trafficking and modern day slavery. Sadly, not only are these crimes against humanity still going on, there are more people enslaved around the world now than ever before. In fact, as Buffalo is a border crossing city, over 400 people have been rescued from human trafficking in just the last 7 years (Buffalo News, June 2013). Fittingly, our opening night of this production, February 27, is national “Shine a Light On Slavery Day.” This year we ask that you please help us with our mission of raising awareness to this issue by donating to our cause www.enditmovement.com.
Lastly, we have had a wide variety of productions over the past few years; childhood classics, serious drama, Disney, and opera. Tonight our students demonstrate their ability to be versatile. From drama to dance, from opera to dialogue, from 1830 to 1922 - these students never stop impressing me. To my principles, Emilee, Jenna, Matthew, Dylan, Elisha, Emery, Greg, Harmony and Eva - I have set very high bars in my level of expectations. Each of you consistently set them higher and exceed them. My dancers and Priscilla Girls, thank you for focus, flexibility and moxy. My cast, this production could not happen without all of your hard work and enthusiasm. My crew and pit band for your professionalism on a very accelerated schedule. My administration and Board of Education for your consistent support of the Fine Arts. My house manager, Emilee Reeb, who consistently goes above and beyond all calls of duty (if I had the money to hire you as a personal assistant, I would!) My assistant directors and designers, namely Mrs. Smith, Mr. Schuler and Mrs. Reisdorf for helping achieve this artistic vision. Lastly, thank you to my very understanding and patient wife and children, I’ll be home soon!
Please, thoroughly enjoy the show!
Dan Reisdorf
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