Hello! Welcome to WHS Theatre’s production of A Chorus Line: High School Edition. Rehearsing and putting up this show with in person rehearsals rejuvenated us, resurrecting the passion and excitement we all missed during the past year. The commitment of Dr. Martineau and Ms. Winch made this production possible. Their approval propelled this effort into motion, and it never lost momentum. Energy and enthusiasm marked each and every rehearsal, with goodwill and cooperation at the forefront. Watching the veteran members encourage and inspire the new ones filled me with gratitude. The bond that develops between them generates a cohesion and sense of confidence which resonates beyond the stage. The sense of family builds lasting friendships and opens doors to countless possibilities in so many other realms of their lives.
Today, thirteen seniors take their final curtain call (and for five of them it’s their first, too). Emma, Jack, Hannah, Daleen, Kiley, Luca, Liz, Marguerite, Zach, Nick, Dan, Gareth, and Jesse, thank you for your contributions to WHS Theatre. You’ve certainly made your mark! Thank you for making this year so meaningful.
Three cheers for the amazing directing team with whom I am so fortunate to have by my side. Molly McKenna: WHS Theatre Assistant Director, Jacob Troy: WHS Theatre Musical Director, Morgan Campbell: WHS Theatre Choreographer, and Nicole Esposito: Video Production Coordinator. I appreciate their experience and expertise, and most of all their time. I need to take a moment to commend my dear friend, Eric Gerhardt, who truly went above and beyond. Mr. G has always taken his role seriously, and approached each show with time and care to generate our special effects for the past decade. He also hires the musicians for our orchestra, a time consuming, sometimes not so simple undertaking. This show in particular required tremendous effort to coordinate due to the pandemic and the restrictions surrounding live music. He worked tirelessly and without complaint, even when he was down and out himself. Through all of this he demonstrated what it means to be one hundred percent; how to be a team player, and modeling leadership and ingenuity. He remains a source of strength for me, supporting me in the darkest of days. For all of this and so much more, I dedicate our production of A Chorus Line to Mr. Eric Gerhardt, WHS Band Director and WHS Theatre Technical Director.
Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks, once said, "Success is best when it's shared." Well, WHS Theatre happily and proudly shares with you, A Chorus Line: High School Edition. I hope you enjoy it.
With gratitude,
Nancy L. Malafronte
WHS Theatre Director
