A Night on Broadway

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CenterStage is happy to introduce the 2016 production: A Night on Broadway. My name is Jenna and I would love to give you an all access pass as we plan, practice, and perform our 2016 show!

First, let me tell you a little bit about my relationship with CenterStage. I was introduced to the group back in 2007 when my mom first joined the choir. As the performances drew near, she asked me to tag along to a rehearsal to videotape the choreography. We had always shared a love of performing, so I was more than happy to help. Plus I loved getting a sneak peek at the show.

Proud Mary was the first number I remember watching. There were go-go dancers and spinning umbrellas. The spectacle was enough to turn me into a fan. I remember enjoying my time there so much I spent more time watching the choreography than filming it. (The quality of taping went downhill as the numbers became more entertaining)

I watched the performers go from the rehearsal space to dancing under the bright lights of the Grand Theatre. I was in awe of the musical talent that made up the choir. I was hooked and I have seen or been involved in every show since.

I saw magic happen in that small rehearsal space. And that is what I hope to do for you readers as well: give you a glimpse into the magic that is CenterStage Band and Show Choir.

This year’s show is particularly special to me. In 2008 I was able to lend my time and talents to the group for the first time as an actor. That show was Broadway 101 and now 8 years later we are revisiting that theme, and I am so excited to be experiencing it as a member of the choir.

By performing Broadway songs this year we hope to get back to our roots as a show choir. We pride ourselves in putting on a top-notch show and in an effort to keep our quality high, we are going to do what we do best: SING. But just like any Broadway show, you can bet we will still give you all the razzle dazzle.

You may be thinking, “I don’t know any Broadway—what should I expect?” Expect to find something to love! Broadway has come a long way over the years (even since CS’s last Broadway-themed show). We are hoping to pull from classic shows and songs to get toes tapping, but also introduce our audiences to a new class of Broadway.

Broadway means so much more now than jazz hands and kick lines.There are shows like Book of Mormon and Avenue Q that are pushing the envelope when it comes to what characters sing about. Rock of Ages is bringing the hair bands of the 1980’s to the stage for a concert experience. And movies like Legally Blonde, Matilda, and School of Rock have all been adapted for live performance, adding music to stories that already have a fan base.

And this is an exciting time for Broadway musicals too. Hamilton: An American Musical was recently awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, becoming only the ninth musical to earn the award. The hip-hop retelling of the legacy of Alexander Hamilton has taken the world by storm and is bringing in a new generation of theatre-goers.

Credit Sara Krulwich:The New York Times
Hamilton: An American Musical  Credit: Sara Krulwich/The New York Times

So what does this new wave of Broadway mean for us as performers and more importantly for our audience members? It means that we have a wide range of genres and styles to choose from. We will find a little something for everyone: Rock, Country, Jazz, Motown, Pop and everything in between all tied up with a Broadway bow.

We can’t wait to show you what we come up with. Our members are already buzzing with ideas to best showcase our talents and knowledge of the theater. We hope you not only hear some of your favorite show tunes, but also fall in love with something new. It is sure to be a must-see event.

So, keep an eye on our blog to catch some behind the scenes magic as we put together

A Night on Broadway!

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