INSIDE OUR SCHOOLS
Rehearsals for Marshall’s Spring Musical “Chicago” (Photo – Lily Pendleton)
The Marshall Fundamental Drama Program has been amazing with its productions for years.
By Hannah Moss
Every year, the program gains more and more students, faculty involvement, and support. In the past four years, Marshall Drama has grown immensely. What started in a small classroom with little participation, has now grown to include 40 actors and a technical crew of about 35.
One of the main highlights of the Marshall school year is the Marshall Spring Musical. In this year’s season, the spring musical will be Chicago – The High School Version, written by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, with songs by Fred Ebb and John Kander, and choreography by Bob Fosse. Chicago was the longest running musical on Broadway in American history. It tells the story of two strong women, Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, who do all they can to keep a taste of fame and glory in their cup. Using a minimal set and costumes, this story comes to life and dances right off the stage.
Tremendous support from Marshall faculty and parents
The Marshall students have a lot to live up to, but they have the utmost support from the Marshall faculty, and parents. This year, Marshall’s astounding choir director Jonathan Gould will be spear-heading the production as the director and music director. Dance teacher Darcy Naganuma will be co-choreographing along-side guest-choreographer Mallory Butcher. One of the fine arts teachers, Luis Rendon Jr., will be aiding the students in designing and painting the set of the show. The band director, Anthony Carafone, will be conducting the orchestra, which includes band and orchestra students, guest musicians, and the orchestra director, Claire Park, who will be playing in the pit. This is only to name a few of the extremely crucial teacher and parent representatives. One of Marshall’s most beloved alumni parents, Richard Ludt, (whom the students call “Dad”) will be helping build the production’s set, as well as performing in the musical in a walk-on role. Another significant parent, Charity Scott, will donate her guidance in the costuming department. The Marshall Drama Boosters and adult participation in this production is truly collaborative. Every single department of Marshall’s Academy of Creative Industries will contribute in some shape or form to make this production incredible.
“Chicago – The High School Version” at Marshall Fundamental(Photo – Lily Pendleton)
A student driven production
Although there is a lot of grown-up participation, this is mainly a student driven production. The two outstanding assistant directors, Avery Redfern and Lily Pendleton, are great examples of these hardworking students. Not only does Avery take five AP classes, but she is also a cabinet member of Marshall’s Drama Club, and is in Marshall’s National Honors Society, Chamber Orchestra, and Youth and Government. Lily Pendleton takes four AP classes and is part of Marshall’s National Honors Society, Social Justice Club, Drama Club, Christian Club, and she volunteers at the Huntington Hospital. These great leaders are only a few of the extremely talented, well rounded, and dedicated cast and crew of Chicago.
> Marshall Fundamental’s Chicago – The High School Version will be performed in the school auditorium at 900 N. Allen on March 12th through 14th, at 6:00 pm on all days, with a matinee show on the 14th at 2:00 pm. Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
Hannah Moss is a Marshall Fundamental Junior. She dances with Pasadena Civic Ballet and has volunteered with Cam Gan Shalom, where she is currently employed in the summer.
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