046-047.qxd:Layout 1 1/21/08 7:23 PM Page 47
as an actor and Chris Cromer and
Kim Kielbasa, who are both performing
in Disney parks where Chris
stars as Nemo and Kim plays Ariel.
But high school musicals in this
area are much more than just a starting
block for the serious young performers.
They offer an opportunity
to the community to come out and
see a variety of inexpensive but terrific
shows, and support the high
Oliver, played by Jose Gomez, poses with Fagan’s Boys and Mr. Bumble, played by William Hovey, in
the 2007 all-county production of “Oliver”.
school programs.
“The kids work hard and make things happen,” says PSL
High School Drama Director Patrick Madden, whose upcoming
high school musical “Beauty and the Beast” is scheduled
to hit the stage of the newly remodeled high school auditorium
in February. During the 17 years of PSL High School productions,
hundreds of students have performed in dozens of
musicals, from “Big” to “Oklahoma,” “Oliver” to “Annie,”
attended by thousands in the community. Madden also directs
the all-county musical each summer, featuring students from
all the area schools. This year’s show, “Peter Pan,” will premiere
in June.
At Treasure Coast High School, Allison Nega directs the
drama and dance departments at the newest Port St. Lucie
High School. A former actress herself, Nega involves the students
in every aspect of the performance, including costume
PHOTO BY AMY KRYAK
design and stage construction. Last year’s performance of
“High School Musical” was the school’s first musical and
combined the talents of seasoned young actors with students
who were on stage for the first time. “My passion is to help
students learn,” says Nega, whose January production of “A
Midsummer’s Night Dream” featured a student-composed
original score that turned the classic production into a musical
event. In May, look for “Chicago,” selected to highlight both
the musical and dance talents at the school.
Maria Faisal runs the show at St. Lucie West Centennial
High School, where she directed students in a Broadway
review, in December. “Broadway Stars: The Legend
Continues” was followed by a silent auction, with all proceeds
benefitting Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS. In February,
Centennial will present “The Little Shop of Horrors.”
Port St. Lucie High School
Beauty & the Beast, February 1-10
Peter Pan all county production
(in mid-June)
Phone: 337-6043
Treasure Coast High School
A Midsummer’s Night Dream,
January 17-19
Chicago, May 9-11
Phone: 807-4300 extension 306
SLW Centennial High School
Little Shop of Horrors
February 21, 22, and 23
Phone: 344-4415
47
Hannah Williams as Annie, with Johnny
Machesko (Daddy Warbucks) and Lisa Gomez
(Grace) in the 2006 all-county summer
musical, “Annie”.