Thrilled doesn’t quite describe how we feel about our first full theatre production. We’ve dabbled in musical theatre in past years, whether it was a conglomeration of favorite Broadway scenes, or an original play written by our director’s friend.

As a music school, we focus a lot on concert-like performances.  We bring together lights, stage, and sound to create an experience for students to play their instrument with a band. We sometimes go through up to 60 songs in a single afternoon! It’s a fantastic experience, of course. But… the theatre is something entirely different.

It needs its’ own stage, its’ own sound, and its’ own costumes. From auditions, to script analysis, to rehearsal, and beyond; at the helm is our own Mari Hazel.  A voice instructor, with a knack for theatre and a true love of the stage, she’s built this theatre program from the ground up.

As she settled on the junior adaptation of Thoroughly Modern Millie by Dick Scanlan, the buzz was definitely in the air! Soon afterward a big (and heavy) box arrived at our Northeast Freeway Music location. Cutting the tape and peeling back the cardboard flaps, revealed stacks and stacks of scripts, director’s books, accompaniment CDs, and promotional material. This was exciting, and oh so official!

With the help of the amazing folks at Bravo Blythewood, an arts advocacy group in our area, we secured a venue, funding assistance, and volunteer support and off it went! With roles cast from the many Freeway Music students who love to sing, act, and dance; Mari and her assistant director, Illia, began rehearsals in February. Here’s our poster, below. 😀

We are so very proud of Mari, Illia, and our Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr. cast. They’ve been working SO. HARD.

The performance is Saturday April 28th at 7:30 PM. Our venue is the Palmetto Citizen’s Amphitheater in Blythewood. Please come support this amazing event if you’re free, and make sure to bring family and friends with you, as parking is paid by car (in lieu of tickets). Ten bucks gets you and the entire family an evening of theatre under the stars.  Mark your calendars and we will see you there!