The Western Brown Theatre Department is proud to present “Changing Minds”, a new musical set in the present at fictitious Playa Sola High School in California. Here, we meet Kyle Fairbanks, a charming surfer, and Natalie Watson, an ambitious and intelligent overachiever. Following a class field trip to an historic mission, their best friends, Brad and Claire, Kyle's girlfriend Ashley and her fashionista fans led by Brittany and Tanya, inquisitive and eccentric Garrett, and all the other students from computer geeks to art freaks begin to notice Kyle and Natalie are not themselves. Magically, they have switched brains. Strange things are happening as Natalie's Speech Competition and Prom Night are rapidly approaching. Kyle and Natalie's journey back to normal is fun, frustrating, entertaining, and most importantly, a powerful lesson of self-discovery and understanding for them and their friends.
What a joy it has been to direct such an eager and talented group of young people! They have embraced each step of the process with creative energy and boundless enthusiasm. They have learned character traits, subtext, lines, blocking, and choreography. They have painted, designed, and built sets and props. They can execute lighting and sound cues accurately and expertly. They can apply make-up efficiently and effectively. These students and our entire production team are so grateful we have this opportunity to showcase the benefits of theater for success in today's world. The performing arts develop self-confidence, literacy, communication and public speaking skills, imagination, empathy, critical thinking and problem-solving, self-discipline, and teamwork. All of us involved in this production are passionate about the musical theatre experience and have volunteered our skills and ingenuity tirelessly and unselfishly to bring you an entertaining theatrical experience.
I am incredibly impressed with our cast, crew, and adult production team. Like Kyle and Natalie, we have a new understanding of ourselves and others. Parents, thank you for encouraging your teens to pursue worthy goals. I believe in the power of the performing arts to transform lives. Take your bows, cast and crew. It's going to be a magical night!
Susan A. Purtell
Director
