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"I have a dream, a song to sing..."

Every musical production starts as a dream.  The dream of producing Mamma Mia! at LOLHS began nearly three years ago:  it was to be our 2021 production, but alas, a pandemic...!!  However, after seeing this performance, I am sure you will agree that THIS WAS THE YEAR FOR THIS SHOW!

Everything you see on stage is a direct result of the students.  We all met following last year's production and pinpointed areas we wanted to improve.  Based on this discussion, the students decided to enter the Sondheim Musical Theater Awards as well as the Halo Awards;  to involve student designers and showcase their talents;  to have one person teach the music, play the rehearsals, and conduct the pit orchestra;  and to extend the rehearsal period from eight weeks to twelve weeks.  I asked the students what they wanted to say when they looked back on this show, and instead of hearing "we won Connecticut Best Musical," they wanted to be able to say we were a community:  we supported each other, valued constructive feedback, and understood and honored commitment.   Wow.  I am still as blown away today by their response as I was the first day I heard it.

Everyone involved in this production has given their personal best.  I am so fortunate to have Bethany Haslam, Erin Wyman and Denise Golden at my side every step of the way (often with chocolate);  to have newcomer Hannah Smith, and Will Allik ensuring that the sets and painting are incomparable;  and Jacob Wilson (my "work husband") picking up whatever balls I have dropped these last few weeks of the show.  

Our student designers have discovered how the arts utilize not only their creativity but also their engineering, technological, and interpersonal skills.  They created the designs, planned their creation, oversaw their construction and implementation, and then saw them in the performance.  Aven, Kennedy, Konrad, Lucas, Chloe, and Yosr are that much closer to the professional world, and I am thrilled we were able to give them this opportunity.

So many asoects of this production would not be possible without the contributions of the parents!  Your time, energy, and ingenuity have built our sets, filled our stomachs, found props and costumes, and transported items to the high school.  You are integral to the success of our drama program and I thank you for all you do!

But it all comes back to these kids.  I can be exhausted from the school day and overwhelmed by all the details of the production, but after a few minutes with these students in rehearsal I am smiling and feeling the joy of working with them!  I often tell people I have the best job in the world, and I am so honored and proud to be working with these students in this school district.  Thank you, everyone, for all you have done to make this show possible!