A few years ago, light and sound expert Garrett Hyde reminded me where to look to find thriving theater: local schools.
I caught up last weekend with Hyde, who has become aware of a growing number of private schools offering first-rate shows.
Rockbridge Academy in Millersville and Severn School in Severna Park are each offering musical favorites this weekend: Rockbridge will present Oliver! at the Chesapeake Arts Center's 900-seat theater, and Severn will present Les Miserables at the school's Water Street Theater.
Rockbridge, which teaches kindergarten through 12th grade, has a thriving theater program. Headmaster Mike McKenna is directing his fourth musical, which he describes as having "more narrative and self-reliant scores" from previous shows such as The Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof and The Sound of Music.
McKenna looks forward to the "high-energy, large-cast musical numbers this show affords," with a score that includes "Food, Glorious Food," and "Consider Yourself." He enjoys working with enthusiastic students "who are willing to step out of their comfort zones" to present this show that "provides a raucously good time while also providing a valuable theme of redemption in the acceptance and adoption of a lost boy."
In his first experience on stage, Rockbridge third-grader Jonathan Brenninkmeyer will play Oliver. The role of Fagin will be played by 11th-grader Stephen Horst, for whom acting has always been a major part of life. Senior Colleen McKenna, who has played in all of Rockbridge's shows, will play Nancy.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow and Friday and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets cost $13 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger and can be purchased at www.rockbridge.org, by calling 410-923-1171 or at the door at Chesapeake Arts Center, 194 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park.
Les Miserables, presented by Severn's upper-school students, easily qualifies as the biggest show the group has done.
"The orchestra is probably the best and biggest we've ever had," Music Director Laurie Hays said, and the show features "a cast of wonderful young singers."
Director Sharie Valerio said she and Hays decided on this musical after a "groundswell" of interest from students.
"This show is very large in every aspect," Valerio said. "It has a wonderful story, wonderful score and wonderful theme."
Set in the 19th century, Victor Hugo's epic tale tells of a man imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread. Upon his release five years later, Jean Valjean eventually becomes a prosperous factory owner and mayor and a loving adoptive father. Relentless inspector Javert pursues Valjean for years, making life difficult until Valjean is finally redeemed.
"While we may find ourselves unable to relate to the tragedies we hear daily through all sorts of information sources," Valerio said, "the commanding story of Les Miserables opens our hearts to the suffering that has always been a part of the story of mankind. In the opening of ourselves to that empathy, we can be forever changed -- whether it is in awareness or action. This is a valuable thing."
In Severn's production, Zach Lank plays Javert, Phillip Snyder plays Jean Valjean, Andy Horgan plays Enjolras, Meredith Caldwell plays Fantine, Katherine Riddle is Cosette and Kelsey Carper is Eponine, who loves Marius, played by Vince Thompson. Adam Rashidi plays the innkeeper Thenardier.
Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow through Saturday. Tickets are $10 and must be ordered in advance by e-mail at tickets@severnschool.com or by calling 410-647-7701, ext. 2424.