PARENTS, PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR UPDATES. THANKS!

Dear Parents:

I can't tell you how excited our MS boys are about sharing the stage with their CSH neighbors! This will hopefully be one of many events that our two schools will enjoy in the coming years. In order to help everyone to be fully aware of our rehearsal schedule as well as any other information related to our show (prop list, costume list, etc.), I will be posting information on a regular basis so that it will help you to plan your schedules accordingly.

The format for our show is "revue" style, so it will include a variety of production numbers, solos, and small ensemble numbers from various Broadway shows. In addition, there will be some acting opportunities made available to those students who exhibit strong acting skills. Everyone will be in at least three numbers: the opening number, the closing number and a feature number (solo or ensemble). The songs which each student will be performing in will be determined during the scheduled rehearsals for April 2-4.

Because CSH and Wick are on two different schedules, there will be times when the boys are rehearsing alone (and likewise for the girls) and some rehearsal time that will include an hour or so of combined rehearsal time. I (with the help of Dave Olson and Sarah Burdett) am doing my best to give everyone enough rehearsal time to everyone in order to be as prepared as possible for their performances.

With a cast of 50+, it will be impossible to give each actor their desired song to perform in, but based on my knowledge of the cast so far, I hope that everyone will be happy with their singing or acting roles. The rehearsal schedule (which will be posted on Sunday evening) will reflect the production numbers that will be rehearsed on a given day, and students and parents should make their plans accordingly. There will be some Saturday rehearsals in order to hopefully give the entire cast an opportunity (or two) to rehearse their combined numbers. I realize that there will be conflicts along the way, but I'm asking everyone to do their best in making it possible for their son or daughter to be present for as many rehearsals as they are able to attend.

I am also going to ask that each parent (for both schools) consider contributing something towards the show. That "something" could include: helping to drive the actors to a rehearsal, snacks, dinners during production week, costume or prop help, pick-up, stage set or other. If everyone is able to at the very least contribute one day (or more) of something, we will have a more productive show and it will lift the burden of just a handful of moms doing everything. I am going to be planning Wednesday morning meetings that deal with specific areas of the show, which will also be posted on my web site.

Many thanks to all of you for your support of our show. The excitement of the show is in the air and I can't wait to get started with all of your talented children. If, at any time you need to address and issue with me, please use my Brunswick e-mail (alexander_constantine@brunswickschool.org) to get in touch with me.

More updates are on the way!

Sincerely,

Alexander Constantine

Show Director

APRIL 14TH UPDATE

Greetings!

The rehearsals are really coming along nicely. What a talented group of young singers and dancers we have at our schools! There are a few things that I need to share with you as parents that will involve some thought and perhaps some of your time if you're able to help out. Please check out the information below. Thanks!

REHEARSALS: As of this week, I have changed the rehearsal schedule to include everyone for the very simple reason that the other format was working on some days when those performers whose number was listed on the schedule were able to attend, however, there were times when some of the performers who were scheduled to attend rehearsal were not there and thus I was not able to work on their number. So, I am scheduling everyone for every rehearsal when they are able to make it. And important note-we are trying to finish staging the entire show by this Saturday as our 8th grade boys leave next week for their class trip and won't be with us again until the following Saturday. Also, the week the show opens I will need the ENTIRE cast at each rehearsal for their tech rehearsals. This will be the first time we will be able to rehearse the entire show with everyone present. It is imperative that we have everyone there for that reason.

COSTUMES: As many of you have heard, each cast member will be wearing a "basic outfit" (described below) and it will be augmented by various costume pieces depending on the number that each performer is in. The "basic costume” for everyone will be white pants, a Broadway logo shirt, belt, socks and sneakers. The shirt, which I am ordering can be viewed at http://broadwaycares.stores.yahoo.net/clothing-tshirts.html, and when you get to that page, it will be the "Broadway Cares" 2007 Collection T-shirt. I will be asking each performer his/her T-shirt size in the next few days. I am asking that the T-shirt fit comfortably, without being too tight or too large. They will all be tucked in. Each student will be charged $20 for their T-shirt, which they will end up keeping.

As for the white pants, I am looking for regular which jeans for everyone. I looked at the JC Penny web site, and found white jeans for teens on sale. If any of you would like to help with the search, please send me an e-mail with the web site and I will share it with everyone. I am not looking for them to buy anything expensive. As far as I'm concerned, Target, Wal-Mart, J.C. Penny's, T.J. Max and other moderately priced stores will work just fine.

If any of our parents would like to help with snacks or with ordering pizza for this Saturday's lunch, please let me know. The cast will be asked to bring $5 each to pay for their lunch on Saturday.

Thank you for all of your efforts on behalf of our cast. They are really a joy to work with!

Alexander Constantine