 |
| Erin Woodward Introducing Aida at WIHS last night |
Spring arrives, and long after lunch has been multiply videotaped by security cameras and food police cams in the lunch room, students stay after school and come in on the weekends to create the annual high school musical. Yesterday, it was my honor to attend the closing performance of Tim Rice and Elton John's Aida, a story of love and war, directed by Ms. Erin Woodward, produced with the combined efforts of principals, teachers, and students at two New York City High Schools: Washington Irving and Chelsea Technical Education. More than 40 students developed 80 roles and participated in the development this exciting and crowd-pleasing play, including live music, a beautiful modern set, designed in the style of periaktoi and built by Seung Lee's art club, all compelemented by the inspiring classic setting of the Washington Irving Theater. Taking excellent advantage of the talent pool, Woodward cast two students each as Amneris (Amanda Castro, Samantha Lee Rivera), two as Ramades (Jonathan Catala, Victor Ramirez), and two Aidas (Johaira Nieves, Justine Bishop), and delivered a witty switchover two the second cast during the musical number, "Not Me," at approximately the halfway point in the show.
The production was sophisticated, requiring the services of a fight choreographer (Christian Kelly-Sordelet), vocal coach (Rosemarie Bray), lighting design (Jonathan Deutsch), scenic design (Seung Lee), and costume design (Emily Snyder). Rosemarie Bray was the Producer, and Stephen Rodriguez provided Musical Direction. The set was particularly ingenious, three flats, which were actually painted cubes, allowed for the visual depiction of multiple identities and secrets so crucial to the story. Choreography was developed by Suzanne Lamberg, with additional work by Alejandro Garcia, who also photographed the performance. Principals Bernardo Ascona (WIHS) and Brian Rosenbloom (Chelsea CTE HS) have lent their generous support to the second year of this collaboration. (Last year: "Grease.")
From the "Director's Note," we learn that "This production was created during 40 days, with students...traveling to an unfamiliar school to work with unfamiliar students and teacher...juggling SAT, AP, and placement tests...coming in during Saturday and Spring Break...battling cast and family illness...singing for the first time and/or...dancing for the first time and/or...acting for the first time and/or...working backstage for the first time. This is an ensemble of funny, frank, and fierce warriors, and I am honored to work with them."
As an interesting sidelight, school ties are strong among this group of collaborators: Sarah Ickan (Guest Drummer) Christian (fight choreographer), and Jackie Deniz Young (technical and lighting assistance) attended the same high school as Woodward, and all carried their Arts Program affiliations forward. Alejandro (additional choreography) is an alum of the Washington Irving Arts Program.
The cast and crew honored Woodward with rousing cheers and applause at the conclusion of the production. This is the teacher you remember. This is the part of school that teaches you what to value. Spend the money better, America. Tear yourself away from TV news depictions of attacks on teachers and students. Be a community again. Go to a high school play and remember what was fine about school.
 |
| Curtain Call, AIDA |
 |
| Director Woodward distributes flowers to the Cast & Musicians |
 |
Final touches to the set before the Show Opens |
No comments:
Post a Comment