This past weekend, I had the opportunity to go see Les Mis at Wilton High School. Two friends of mine, who are high school sophomores (Caitlin Witty and Gabby Pucci), played the roles of Eponine and Cosette. All 60 cast members were extremely talented and had their moment to shine. From costumes, set design and talent this performance was a success!

Les Mis is a musical based off of the novel written by the French poet and playwright, Victor Hugo. Set in France in the early 19th century, Les Mis follows the story of many characters and their struggle for redemption and revolution. The cast is made up of prostitutes, student revolutionaries, factory workers, etc.

14 year old Sam Patterson says "Wilton's production of Les Mis was very professional for a high school show. There was a lot of young talent and potential and this was shown through the wonderful casting and choreography". Les Mis was certainly entertaining. The students were great and they did a wonderful job in portraying their roles. They sounded like professinals and looked like them too! It was so good, I saw it twice!

 

-Shay LaRusso, Shelby Vetare

Ages 15 and 17

Norwalk High School

 

 

Pictured: Caitlin Witty (Eponine) and Stephen Jones (Marius)

Movie Review: "42 - The True Story of an American Legend"

Last Saturday, a few friends and I had the pleasure of seeing the brand new movie 42. I was a bit skeptical at first, assuming that it would be a rather long and boring documentary-type of film, but after about 10 minutes in I realized that my assumptions were very wrong. 42 had an excellent and entertaining story to it, full of both humor and struggle, and all the while staying true to the actual events that happened to Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. Based on my prior knowledge about the story of Jackie Robinson, I could tell that this movie was very realistic, and I also learned a lot about his life that I didn't know before. Although it was sad at times, the majority of the movie managed to be light and humorous. I also really enjoyed the fact that the director, Brian Helgeland, really embraced the spirit of the 1940's and made it seem as if the movie was actually taking place in that time period. I also applaud all of the actors, especially those who played Jackie (Chadwick Boseman) and his wife, Rachel (Nicole Beharie). I was surprised that they could find so many good actors who were also talented at baseball! The only negative critiques I could provide are that the length of the movie, being over two hours long, was a bit extensive, and the fact that it was a bit old fashioned and very sports-involved made it appealing to only select crowds. Overall, I thought the movie was great and I would definitely recommend it to everyone that I know!

- Shaina Arsenault, 15 years old

Joseph A. Foran High School

UMich SMTD presents Crazy For You

I spent my April vacation on a crazy road trip of college tours galore. My final visit was to the University of Michigan, which has a fantastic and very well-known musical theatre program. The original plan was to drive home that night. Instead, we got to see the programs production of Crazy For You at the Power Center. I knew the show was based on the music of George and Ira Gershwin, but that was about all I knew. So it was great to come into the theatre with an open mind. I was completely blown away by the talent among the cast. The singing was top-notch, the dancing was incredible, and the acting, of course, was mesmerizing.The sound from the orchestra pit was amazing and so professional sounding. The quality of the production was even more impressive, knowing that the sets, costumes, lights and sound were all made and run by students. It was a Broadway-quality show. I had the privilege of getting to know the two stars of the show, L'ogan J'ones (who played Bobby Child) and Mary Little (who played Polly Baker). They were so humble and excited that I came to see their show. When I expressed interest in the program, they were more than happy to answer my questions, and told me that I "better audition in the fall, or we'll be mad." College applications are still a few months away, but there's no doubt in my mind what my first choice will be!
-Matt Sweeney, 16, Stamford High School, President of the NPT Youth Board

Sunday Spotlight 5/5/2013 with Gwendolyn Jones

Hope you all took something away from last Sunday Spotlight. Believe us in the NPT Youth Board: We sure did!

This week, The Sunday Spotlight will be on... GWENDOLYN JONES!

Gwendolyn (left) as Mrs. Hannigan

The Sisters of the Nunsense Boulevard National Tour

Take this journey, whether it is your first Spotlight or your fifth, or whatever, you will enjoy Gwendolyn. She has not only been in the National Tour of NUNSENSE BOULEVARD, but she has also played the roles of: Mrs. Hannigan in ANNIE, Mrs. Claus at Radio City Music Hall, and Matron Mamma Morton in CHICAGO.
To register for this, once again, wonderful opportunity, please sign up at the link below.
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3298831001957114368

Gwendolyn is a lovely woman and I know she will give very insightful information. You will not regret tuning in at 8pm.

~NPT Youth Board

Broadway Review: Jersey Boys

Friday, April 26th, 2013, I went to go see the Broadway musical Jersey Boys. It completely deserved the Tony Award for Best Musical. The Arrangements, Choreography, Sets, Costumes, and the book were only parts of this masterpiece. What else do you need? An amazing cast with 4 strong leading men to play the 4 Seasons. In the current cast, the 4 Seasons where: Andy Karl as Tommy DeVito, Nathan Schmidt as Nick Massi, Drew Gehling as Bob Gaudio, and John Lloyd Young as Frankie Valli.

The show takes us through the evolution of the 4 Seasons, from them singing under a lamp post in New Jersey to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The last time I listened to the soundtrack, I got unrealistic chills. When I saw the stage production, I got even more unrealistic chills. It is one of the finest shows Broadway has ever produced. One of the coolest things in the show was when they divided the acts into seasons. Spring and Summer was in Act 1, with Fall and Winter in Act 2. Each of the characters of the original Four Seasons narrated each season. Tommy was Spring, Bob was Summer, Nick was Fall and Frankie was Winter.

So much work had to be put into this show. The research was the greatest aspect. The costumes had to be exact, the voices had to be almost exact, the choreography had to be the same. The show amazed not only me, but many others. "I didn't think I was going to like it," Julia Ilea, a junior in high school, said after the show, "but the show was perfectly executed and I just fell in love with it."

Jersey Boys is playing in the August Wilson Theatre in New York City. I highly recommend it.
~Nathan Clift, 15, Trumbull High School, Vice President of the NPT Youth Board

How to Stay Healthy During Shows is in this week's Sunday Spotlight with Renee Laweless, Reed Prescott, Jenn Trepeck

Admit it: We all get the "play-gue" once in a while. Doesn't matter what show you are in, you are fine during all rehearsals, and then Hell Week pops up. That cold you had since January? It activates the night before you have to open the show. It is even worse when you are in high school shows, because you have to be in school the day of a show in order to go on.

Doesn't that get annoying after a while? Getting sick on Opening Night? Isn't there some way to prevent the "play-gue" from spreading? Look no further! This Sunday Spotlight is dedicated to staying healthy during shows.

Renee Lawless

Renee Lawless (The Haves and Have Nots), Reed Prescott (Balance, Sabrina the Teenage Witch) and Jennifer Trepeck (owner of Better Life Now) are here to help. They will give you tips on how to fight off illnesses and stay in the best possible condition for the show.

Reed Prescott

Jennifer Trepeck

To tune into this insightful Sunday Spotlight, one you DON'T want to miss, register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5699974181209633280

~NPT Youth Board

Have you ever grown anything in the garden of your mind?

Over the past few weeks, I have been attending the MAC (Musical Arts Confrence) Competitons for high school percussion groups around Connecticut. The schools take their winter percussion groups to these competitions to perform in different catagories based on size and difficulty.
Recently, I have had the amazing oppertunity to join in and be a dancer in my high school's (Norwalk High School) winter percussion show and have been competing in the competitions for four weeks now. I play the role of a girl who grows ideas in the "garden of her mind." While the drummers are playing and moving around on the floor, I get to dance around and through them to portray the idea that I have created them. I absolutely LOVE being in the show and getting an inside look to how percussion groups rather than a cast of a musical or a dance team work together.
On April 13th, we are having the MAC Championships at Shelton High School, and a week later, on April 17th we are traveling to Dayton, Ohio for WGI finals. I am beyond excited! Come out and support next week at Shelton High!

Shelby Vetare, age 17, Norwalk High School.

Pictured (Left to right): Shelby Vetare (me), Taijon Ragin, Danny Porelli, Avery Collins, and Tommy Eckert.

Sunday Spotlight 4/7/13: Randy Graff

It has been 2 weeks since our last Sunday Spotlight. Seems forever though, right?
There is going to be a new Sunday Spotlight every other week. This Sunday, April 7th, the Sunday Spotlight will be on Randy Graff.

Randy Graff as Fantine in Les Miserables on Broadway in 1987

Randy Graff is well known throughout theatre and film and screen. You may remember Randy Graff as Broadway's original Fantine in the Original Broadway Production of Les Miserables in 1987. She has also starred in City of Angels in 1989, where she won a Tony Award. She also recently starred in the 2004 revival of Fiddler on the Roof. Other Broadway credits include: A Class Act (2001, where she received a second Tony Award nomination), High Society (1998), Moon Over Buffalo (1995), and Laughter on the 23rd Floor (1993)

Randy's Off-Broadway Credits include: A... My Name Is Alice (1983-1984), Hotel Suite (2000 as Millie),  Sophie in A Class Act (2000), and Kay Cram in Do Re Mi (1999).

Some of Randy's Regional Credits include (but not limited to): Hello Dolly (2007) as Dolly at The Muny in St. Louis, Missouri; A Little Night Music (2002) as Charlotte at the Kennedy Center of Performing Arts in Washington D.C.; Damn Yankees (2008) at The New York City Center.

Besides being on the stage, Randy Graff has been on TV and Movie sets. In 2005, she was in the movie version of the musical Rent (as Mark's mother: Mrs. Cohen) and starred in the film Keys to Tulsa in 1997. On TV, she has starred not once, but three times on the TV series Law and Order (1991, 2001, 2005). She also starred in: Working It Out, Bless this House, and many other shows.

Register for the Sunday Spotlight here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6276073193637748992

To those who donated to the Sunday Spotlight, thank you! We really appreciate it. Now, we had a Rockethub fundraiser, but that ended the other day. There will be more events and ways to donate to keep these Sunday Spotlights open and FREE. Any donation is acceptable, and planning for fundraising events are underway! Those who have attended previous Sunday Spotlights got so much from actors first hand. How often do you get to ask a Broadway Star a question? Let's "Seize the Day" (Newsies anyone?) and register today!
~NPT Youth Board

Inside Look at Trumbull High School's Crazy for You

Logo of THS's Crazy for You

Today marked the closing of Trumbull High School's 2013 Spring Musical, Crazy for You. With music created by the Gershwins, it was an instant classic when it hit the Broadway stage in 1992. In Trumbull's production, over 110 students auditioned, but only around 70 people actually made it into the show. Leading the cast was Matt Johnson as Bobby and Gabby Gottschall as Polly.
Now I know what you're thinking: Crazy for You is a tap show.
Trumbull High, in the past, has done tap shows (most recently 42nd Street). TYA (Trumbull Youth Association) did Anything Goes in 2011, so many people weren't too shabby on their tap skills.Various tap workshops were also held, so students who attended could know a few tap moves before the auditions.
Based off of the musical Girl Crazy, Crazy for You contains music from various shows, such as (but not limited too): But Not For Me, Could You Use Me, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Can't Be Bothered Now, and I Got Rhythm. Crazy for You is what I like to call an "old school musical": The theme is very much like older movies and shows, where there is a love connection until a conflict rises up.
This show was not easy. Directed by Jessica Spillane, Musically directed by Jerold Goldstien and Choreographed by Frank and Abby Root, all who made the show knew it was going to be a challenge. In the end, we had flawless dancing, beautiful and strong voices to carry out those beautiful Gershwin melodies and amazing choreography. I am not just saying this because I was in it. I am only mentioning what many random strangers have said when they walked up to cast members and crew.

The Follies Girls dancing in "I Got Rhythm"

The life of a musical is amazing. You have 50+ people who don't know each other, no sets, no costumes, not even lights. In 3 months, you have another family, amazing sets, colorful costumes and lights that change the mood of every scene. Crew just doesn't do it alone. Parents and students were working together to make this show a success. In the words of Polly, just because we didn't sell out "doesn't mean we're a failure." You don't need to sell out a show in order to have a successful show. You need a cast and crew who understands each other 100% in order to succeed. I guess that is "Nice Work if You Can Get It".
Long story short: Crazy for You was, well, crazy, but in the end, it was well worth it as well as an honor to perform one of Broadway's finest musicals with amazing music made by George and Ira Gershwin.

Next show any of you do, you need to not say: I am not going to make any friends. You will make at least 10 new friends. You will have another family. You will find a home away from home.
Break a leg everybody.

Matt Johnson (center) and the Follies Girls performing "Can't Be Bothered Now"

~ Nathan Clift, 15 Trumbull High School, VP of NPT's Youth Board

Sunday Spotlight 3/17: Bruce Sabath

Thanks to all who attended our last Sunday Spotlight! It was very awesome and informative, correct?

This Sunday will be Bruce Sabath, a TV, Film and Broadway Star that was in Company with Kristin Huffman, the Youth Board's advisor as well as Artistic Director of the New Paradigm Theatre.

Bruce Sabath is a New York-based actor, working in theatre, film, TV and commercials. He played Larry in the 2006-07 Tony-winning revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Company. He was most recently seen in New York in Prospect Theater’s Portraits, and the workshop of the new musical Casanova, as well as the award-winning revival of Michael John LaChiusa’s Hello Again and the Off-Broadway musical, The Sphinx Winx. Sabath’s regional credits include Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along, directed by John Doyle at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and his acclaimed portrayal of Richard Nixon in the Southeast premier of Frost/Nixon at the Caldwell Theatre in Boca Raton. Sabath has also appeared closer to home at The Schoolhouse Theater in productions of The Imaginary Invalid and Lost in Yonkers.

Sabath, a former Wall Street “wiz kid” and corporate strategist, stunned his colleagues a decade-and-a-half ago when he chucked his established business career to pursue his first love, acting. He then stunned the theatre world when he debuted on Broadway, and was praised by Ben Brantley of The New York Times for his “touching and credible” performance as Larry, opposite Barbara Walsh as the acerbic Joanne. Sabath’s story has been profiled in The Wall Street Journal, Parade Magazine, The Sondheim Review, Backstage, Germany’s Der Spiegel, Westchester Magazine, and Psychology Today.


here is the link to sign up:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2416940212027392000


Please attend and please donate to our Rockethub for this wonderful opportunity!
~NPT Youth Board.

Inside and Out: Foran High School's Spring Production of "Grease: The Musical"

On Saturday March 2nd, I went to see Joseph A. Foran High School's spring production of the classic musical "Grease". Living in Milford, I do attend Foran High School, so it was an absolutely wonderful experience to see all of my peers up there on stage doing such a great job. And, I would know how much work went into it... because I helped choreograph it!

Since my teachers knew I was a dancer, they sought me out to choreograph the musical. I definitely couldn't do it alone, so I asked my friend Ellie Nolan to co-choreograph with me. Starting in December, we worked with all of the members of the play on all of the big dance numbers that "Grease" is famous for. Not having been involved in the music or drama department before, it was an eye-opening experience for me. I got to meet so many new people that I would have never gotten the chance to talk to before, and it was fun to see all of my new friends learn and grow as they attempted to tackle the dance moves we gave them. There wasn't one trained dancer in the program, so I am sure all of the choreography we threw at them was a challenge. However, by the time the curtain rose in March, they all looked as if they had been dancing for years! I was so proud of all of them for learning it so quickly and being able to make it look so good on stage with so little experience.

Now, for a critique of the show from an audience member's perspective, I would say that it was a terrific performance. I was actually a bit surprised at how well they did, as Foran High is not typically known to have an amazing theatre department. I congratulate the teachers who directed and produced the production, Theresa Voss, Jessica Shearer, and Emily Theodoseau, for putting together a really great show. They had a live jazz band playing all of the music, and I thought that was a really nice touch. I also appreciated the quality of the acting, because I felt that everyone got really into their roles and embraced their characters very nicely. Also, I thought that Sandy, played by Robin Patrick, completely stole the show! Her vocal and acting abilities were outstanding. The only negative comments I could make were that the scenery was not all that appealing to the eye, the pauses in between scenes were a bit long, and there was a little too much making out on stage! Overall, I thought that the play was wonderful and I am so proud of my friends for doing an amazing job.

For more information about Joseph A. Foran High School's drama department, visit http://www.milforded.org/page.cfm?p=9442.

- Shaina Arsenault, 15 years old
Joseph A. Foran High School

Sunday Spotlight #3: Randye Kaye!

Thanks you all who attended our second Sunday Spotlight with Alan Rust! It was super informative and extremely fun!

For our third Sunday Spotlight, we will have Actress, Voiceover Artist, Author and Speaker Randye Kaye!

Randye Kaye has over 20 years of experience working in the entertainment business, such as a voice talent, stage/TV/film actress, and radio personality, along with a rather long list of major clients.

 Randye has been heard on major radio stations as Morning Drive sidekick, PM Drive Personality, news director, and NPR classical music host, but now focuses on Voiceover work full-time. She is also a Voiceover coach with Edge Studio in New York, Connecticut as well as in the virtual world.

Randye has performed regionally, performing roles such as: Sally Bowels (Cabaret at University of New Haven), Adelaide (Guys and Dolls at University of New Haven) as a featured Equity Guest Artist, Sister Robert Anne (Nunsense and Nunsense 3 at Playhouse on the Green), and Nancy (Oliver at Edgerton Center). She has also co-starred in Momoirs in the Zipper Theatre in New York City.

As an author, she has written Ben Behind His Voices: One Family's Journey from the Chaos of Schizophrenia to Hope. The story is about her firstborn slowly becoming diagnosed with schizophrenia and the challenges the family faces yet trying to maintain their love for him. She is currently fpron another book, entitled, Happier Made Simple: Straight Talk for Successful Living. She also runs 3 blogs: 
Ben Behind His Voices blog: Family Matters in Mental Illness and Recovery

Mental Illness in the Family — Award-winning Blog for HealthyPlace.comLife on the Voiceover List — Tips and Thoughts on Voice Acting

For information on her career as a Speaker, visit: http://speaker.randyekaye.com/

Please join us this Sunday at 8pm! Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4644603546304548608

Also, we are using a free trial of the GotoWebinar, which we use to do the Spotlights on. We would like to buy a full year plan, but that would cast around $2000. In order to fund raise money, we have decided to set up a Rockethub. If you can donate whatever you can, we will be thankful. Join us this Sunday, and if you like what you see, then please donate so we can continue this wonderful program. 

Here is the Rockethub link:   http://www.rockethub.com/projects/20442-help-us-out-with-our-sunday-spotlights

Here are some reviews from past Sunday Spotlights:

"LOVED this webinar. Looking forward to the next one. Some of the questions I was prepared to ask were asked by the interviewer so I just listened this time, but it was very informative."  Becca

"WOW!!! What a great idea! As you are aware, many very talented teens (and adults) are rather timid and, many times, awestruck when facing producers, casting directors, performers, etc.  This gives them the ability to have a voice that's as loud and clear as a seasoned professional." Steve

~NPT Youth Board