I love the composers of My Favorite Year. I first heard the soundtrack to this show 20 years ago (I actually owned it on casette tape) after I fell in love with their musical Once on This Island (coincidentally, the very first musical the MDT class put on in 2005). They are also the composers of one of my favorite musicals of all time, Ragtime. I am so excited that students going on our trip to NYC get to see their brand new show Rocky this summer. The MDT class has also produced their musical comedy Lucky Stiff as well as our large, school musical of their show Seussical.
All of these shows contain fantastic character songs and beautiful ballads. Here is what Lincoln Center Theatre said about the world premiere back in 1993:
My Favorite Year takes place in 1954 during the golden age of live television. Set against a background of TV studios and glamorous New York hotspots, the show (like the popular film on which it is based) tells the story of a young man's coming of age.
1954 is the year Benjy Stone (played by Evan Pappas) becomes a writer, falls in love and comes to terms with his family. It's also the year he meets his childhood hero: the famous swashbuckling, but now over-the-hill movie star, Alan Swann (Tim Curry).
MY FAVORITE YEAR creates a lovely memory of an earlier time in New York, and it's populated with characters you care about: comedy writers, show girls, Jewish mothers, prize fighters, nightclubbers, second bananas, love interests, and a gallant young man who learns a lesson in life from his gallant, older idol.
What we loved about this show was that it reminded us of all the wonderful musicals we saw as a kid growing up in New York. It has a funny, smart book by Joseph Dougherty and a fresh melodic score by the talented team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Once on This Island).
Thank you for coming out to support the MDT class. A huge thank you to Melanie Cartwright (and Rachel) for coming out to choreograph!! My students do not know how lucky they are to work with you!! Thank you Hale Center Theatre Orem, Lehi High School, The FACS Dept. at RHS, the supportive Administration, Erin McGuire and last (but not least), the brand new Doctor Jacqueline Eaton (Yay! Buy her a Diet Coke) (and our minions, Millie and Ellis) for their support. Buy me a water at Intermission because this show is tricky to play!!
----MR. CLIN EATON
UPCOMING RHS THEATRE EVENTS:
MANDATORY NYC MEETING- Thursday, May 8th 5pm RHS Choir Room
Center Stage Showcase- Friday, May 16th and Monday, May 19th
7pm Tech Atrium
$3.00 (Student directed One-Act Plays)
Drama Club Banquet- Wednesday, May 28th 6pm
Tech Atrium (All theatre students and family members are invited)
$15
