From the Director's Chair:
This has truly been a wonderful journey to get to opening night of Busgy Malone. The talent, dedication and work ethic of this cast has been a dream. For this to be a successful production, we cannot just concentrate on what we see on the stage. There is so many happening away from the audience's eye that is helping to create the magic you see on this stage. The entire production is also not just an artistic learning experience, but also a way to also show personal and academic growth. I could not be prouder of the 135 students you will witness tonight. Countless hours of singing, dancing, blocking, painting, building, researching, creating, memorizing, laughing and just being goofy have gone into making this one of the best, if not the best, production the Valdosta Middle School Players have put on to date. If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to look at all the student projects about the Bugsy Malone time period in the front lobby.
To my 6th grade cast and crew, you have been a joy to work with this year. I still believe our improv games have been the funniest things I have seen in a very long time. Your command of the stage and your ability to take direction is top notch. I cannot wait to see what you bring to the stage for the next two years!
My 7th grade cast and crew has been my rock this year. I cannot thank you enough for your flexiblity and commitment to the theatre. When we were in a jam, you were able to take a step back and think outside the box. I am so proud of each and every one of you. We are going to rock that stage next year!
This production is a very bitter sweet ending to a journey I started three years ago with our 8th grade cast and crew. I have watched these young ladies and gentlemen grow from fairies and wax figures (Findbharr's Daughter and Night at the Wax Museum) into high school students(The Yearbook) and develop into true voices of history(Voices of the Titanic). They have brought home countless awards at One Act (Magic Flute, Poe Dunked and Ezigbo). They were the very first 6th grade cast to gain their own musical performance (Once Upon a Mattress). They were my most energetic group in Fame. And now, we say farewell, playing up to their strengths in comedy with Bugsy Malone. Each and every 8th grader on this stage is very talented. Please continue to be creative and passionate about the arts. Whether you are singing, dancing, playing an instrument or creating beautiful pieces of art, you need the arts to become complete. Also, please keep in touch. I would love to know what you are up to years down the road. We never say "goodbye" we say "good journey".
Mrs. Toni Jarvis - VMS Players Director
