PROGRAM NOTES for the SENIOR SHOWCASE of Mariel Villarreal and Preston-­‐Joseph Woods “Once in Love with Amy”
from Where’s Charley? (1948) [Loesser]
Frank Loesser
(1910–1969)
Frank Loesser is one of the most prolific and successful musical theater composers of his
time. He is responsible for the hit Broadway musicals Guys and Dolls and How to
Succeed in Business without Really Trying, for which he won Tony Awards for both
shows in the categories of best music and best lyrics. Loesser’s song “Baby, It’s Cold
Outside” won him the academy award for best song in 1949. In “Once in Love with
Amy,” the character Charley Wykeham stands alone on the street as he contemplates his
love for his soon-to-be wife, Amy. Charley comes to the conclusion that she is the most
wonderful girl in the world, and is just as hopelessly in love with him as he is with her.
“They Can’t Take That Away from Me”
from Shall We Dance (1937) [Gershwin]
George Gershwin
(1898 – 1937)
This Gershwin standard was first presented in the 1937 film Shall We Dance featuring the
legendary team of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. This film marked Astaire and Rogers’
seventh musical comedy film, and it was one of the last projects that the Gershwins
created. Shall We Dance tells the story of Linda (Rogers) and Peter (Astaire), two famous
dancing stars that get married with the intention of immediately getting divorced as a
publicity stunt to further their careers. Right before Linda and Peter are about to divorce
and part ways forever, Peter declares his love for Linda. This nostalgic song is that
declaration of love, and it drives the couple to remain married.
“Sort-Of Fairy Tale”
from Ordinary Days (2007) [Gwon]
Adam Gwon
(b. 1979)
Adam Gwon is quickly becoming one of the musical theater world’s leading composers
in contemporary song style writing. In 2008, Gwon won the Fred Ebb Award for
excellence in musical theatre song writing. Ordinary Days explores the lives of four
individuals living in the Big Apple. While their lives are seemingly boring at a cursory
glance, the musical explores the truly extraordinary parts of our seemingly ordinary lives.
The character Deb has recently lost one of her schoolbooks and has come to the
Metropolitan Opera to reclaim it from the character Warren. What transpires is a
humorous meeting which is the beginning of their budding friendship.
Dialogue: Duke Orsino and Viola (Cesario)
from Twelfth Night, or What You Will (1602)
William Shakespeare
(1564–1616)
Twelfth Night tells the story of Viola, a young woman disguised as a man named Cesario,
who is love sick for Duke Orsino, her boss. Completely unaware of Viola’s true identity
or affection, Duke Orsino asks Viola to relay a token of his love to Olivia, a prized
beauty and the desire of his own heart. Unable to reveal her true identity as a woman or
her feelings for Orsino, Viola tries to avert the painful task set before her.
“Patience”
from Illyria (2002)
“Way Ahead of My Time”
from Taxi Cabaret (2000)
“Runaways”
from The Flood (2001)
Peter Mills
(b. 1968)
Peter Mills is a native of Rome, Ga. As a budding contemporary musical theater
composer, he has won such awards as the Fred Ebb award, a Drama Desk Award, and the
Richard Rodgers Award. Illyria is a musical adaption of the Shakespearean play Twelfth
Night. Viola, disguised as Cesario, is in love with Duke Orsino, but she cannot express
her feelings towards him while she is bound in her male disguise. Viola sings “Patience”
to reveal her love for Orsino, and to remind her tormented soul to wait patiently for the
opportunity to be united with the man she loves. "Way Ahead of My Time”—more
affectionately known as “The Caveman Song”—is a send up of the double entendre genre
of musical theater songs. A caveman has something to tell his father and has come intent
on coming clean with the truth. The Flood examines the aftermath of a flood that breaks
loose on a town next to the Mississippi River, killing seven people. “Runaways” is a duet
between Rosemary and Raleigh at a fireworks show. Raleigh uses all of his tactics to get
Rosemary to enjoy the fireworks, despite her best efforts to avoid the show.
Good Thing Going
from Merrily We Roll Along (1981) [Sondheim]
Stephen Sondheim
(b. 1930)
Merrily We Roll Along examines the life of Franklin Shepard. Once a talented composer
for musicals, Franklin has chosen to delve into the world of making high-budget
Hollywood films. The show is most noted for the fact that it is presented in
reverse chronological order, starting with his success in Hollywood and moving
backwards through moments in his lifetime. "Good Thing Going" is sung at a gathering
where composers are asked to present their newest songs. This song is a reflection on a
failed relationship in Frank's own personal life. When it is initially sung, the audience
loves it. However, when it is reprised (and sung in a more heartfelt manner), the guests
ignore it, continuing to eat their dinners.
“Good Morning”
from Singin’ in the Rain (1952) [Freed]
Nacio Herb Brown
(1896–1964)
Originally written for the 1939 musical Babes in Arms, “Good Morning” is one of the
most memorable numbers from the 1952 film Singin’ in the Rain starring Gene Kelly,
Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds. The tap-dance choreography in this piece
exemplifies the golden age of tap in musical theatre. Singin’ in the Rain tells the story of
two film stars, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont, during the transition in 1920s
Hollywood from silent films to “talkies.” Conflict arises when it is discovered that Lina
has a horrendous speaking and singing voice. Her failure to make a successful “talking”
film puts the whole film production company in danger of going under. In the midst of
this chaos, Don meets Kathy Seldon, a young woman with a beautiful voice. One
evening, Don, Kathy, and Don’s best friend, Cosmo, stay up all night brainstorming a
solution to save the production company. At the break of dawn, the three come up with
the idea that Kathy will sing and speak as Lina lip-syncs to her voice. They victoriously
sing and dance “Good Morning” in celebration of solving their dilemma. Weeping may
remain for the night, but joy comes in the morning. We would like to thank Laura Renfro
for helping us to choreograph this number.
“The View from Here”
from Darling (2007) [Oliver]
Ryan Scott Oliver
(b. 1984)
Darling is a modern-day musical depiction of the classic story of Wendy, Peter, and the
lost boys: Peter Pan. The musical takes place in Boston during the weeks that lead up to
the Wall Street Crash of 1929. “The View from Here” is sung by Ursula Morgan, an
upper-crest teenager representative of the character Wendy, as she stares out the window
of her lonely room, wishing that she could meet someone who will bring romance and
adventure into her life. Ursula eventually meets Peter, a fugitive on the run from the
police, who sweeps her away into the underground world of the scandalous 1920s. Ryan
Scott Oliver is credited with writing the music and lyrics for Mrs. Sharp, 35MM, Jasper
in Deadland, and Out of My Head, A Musical Revue. Ryan Scott Oliver is currently
working on music and lyrics for Disney’s upcoming stage musical, Freaky Friday.
“The Revolutionary Costume for Today”
from Grey Gardens (2006) [Korie]
Scott Frankel
(b. 1963)
Grey Gardens is based on the 1975 documentary of the same title. The musical is based
on the lives of the Bouviers, the relatives of first lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Once East
Hampton aristocrats, Edith Beale, “Big Edie,” and her adult daughter, “Little Edie,” now
live in a dilapidated, 28-room house with 52 cats, fleas, cobwebs, and virtually no
plumbing. The pair faces criticism from the press while in danger of being evicted from
their historical estate. The first act of the musical shows the glamorous lives of the
Bouviers in their early days, and the second act shows their transition into isolation,
health code violations, and eccentricity. “Revolutionary Costume for the Day” opens Act
II. Little Edie sings this anthem of rebellion against the elitist society and press that
continues to barge onto their estate to attack their lifestyle. Edie uses her whimsical
wardrobe as the force of her revolution: she refuses to conform to the standards of what is
considered fashionable and acceptable by society.
“Someone Else’s Life”
from Tales from the Bad Years (2006) [Kerrigan]
Brian Lowdermilk
(b. 1982)
Kait Kerrigan and Brian Lowdermilk are an accomplished contemporary musical theatre
songwriting team. The duo was the recipient of the 2006 Jonathan Larson award. The duo
is well known for their original musical The Unauthorized Autobiography of Samantha
Brown, which has been featured in the 2005 NAMT songwriters showcase. Tales from
the Bad Years is a series of songs and musical scenes that explore the parts of our life
when we are waiting for something great to happen. “Someone Else’s Life” is a lament in
which a boy sings about his frustration with the circumstances he has been given. The
boy daydreams about what it would be like to be living in someone else’s life.
“God Help the Outcasts”
from The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) [Schwartz]
“When You Believe”
from The Prince of Egypt (1998) [Schwartz]
Alan Menken
(b. 1949)
Stephen Schwartz and Alan Menken teamed up to write the score for the Disney
animated movie The Hunchback of Notre Dame in 1996, based on Victor Hugo’s novel
of the same title, and then again to write the score for the DreamWorks animated film
The Prince of Egypt, which is based on the book of Exodus from the Old Testament of
the Bible. The Hunchback of Notre Dame tells the story of a disfigured man named
Quasimodo who serves as the bell-ringer of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France in
1482. On the Feast of Fools day, the townspeople make a mockery of Quasimodo by
crowning him the King of Fools. Moved with compassion, Esmeralda, a tender-hearted
gypsy, sets him free from the jeering crowd. “God Help the Outcasts” is sung by
Esmeralda as an intercessory prayer on the behalf of Quasimodo and her people, the
gypsies, whom are treated as outcasts by the rest of their society. Esmeralda begins her
prayer by realizing that Jesus Christ must have also known what it was like to be treated
as an outcast, for his own people crucified him on the Cross at Calvary. The heart of her
prayer can be summed up in this statement, “I thought we all were the children of God.”
The Prince of Egypt tells the story of Moses and the deliverance of the Hebrews from the
land of Egypt and the oppressive rule of the Pharaoh. “When You Believe” is sung in
praise to God by Miriam, Moses and Aaron’s sister, and Tzipporah, Moses’ wife, and the
Hebrew people after the Pharaoh finally agrees to let the Hebrews go and they
miraculously journey across the Red Sea. Julie Bearden, thank you so much for arranging
this beautiful piece!
Dance (“Wire”): “Two Birds”
from Far (2009)
Regina Spektor
(b. 1980)
Regina Spektor is a unique artist in the world of folk music. Her songs draw inspiration
from hip hop, jazz, Jewish music, Russian music, and classical musical styles. “Two
Birds” tells the story of a pair of birds from their everyday viewpoint. As they sit on a
wire, one flies away, but the other is stuck in place. The birds are an extended metaphor
of a couple’s relationship: one wants to move on to the future while the other is resistant
to change. This dance is epitome of human life. While we want to move on to greater
success we are often scared of what could or would be. It is often through the love and
encouragement of a friend that we are able to overcome our fears. Thank you to Laura
Renfro for her help choreographing this piece—you are amazing!
“The Light in the Piazza”
from The Light in the Piazza (2005) [Guettel]
Adam Guettel
(b. 1964)
The Light in the Piazza is the romantic tale of a mother, Margaret, and her daughter,
Clara, from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, who travel to Florence, Italy in the 1950s.
While walking through an Italian piazza, a town square, Clara’s hat flies off and lands in
the hands of a young Italian boy named Fabrizio. When Fabrizio and Clara begin to fall
in love, Margaret tries everything in her power to stop the couple. This conflict between
the mother and daughter culminates when Margaret slaps Clara across the face during a
heated argument over Fabrizio. Clara sings “The Light in the Piazza” in response to
reveal the deep level of the true love she has for Fabrizio. This song causes Margaret to
relent, and she allows Clara and Fabrizio to get married. The Light in the Piazza is Adam
Guettel’s most acclaimed work, and the show won six Tony Awards in 2005, including
the Tony Award for Best Original Score. Guettel’s other works include Myths and Hymns
and Floyd Collins.
“Mama, a Rainbow”
Larry Grossman
from Minnie’s Boys (1970) [Hackady]
(b. 1938) Minnie’s Boys is a musical detailing the lives of the Marx Brothers before they reached the pinnacle of their fame. The musical explores the relationships between the two brothers and their mother, who was the driving force behind their success. After an extended preview period of sixty-­‐four days, and a meager eighty performances on Broadway, the musical closed to little critical acclaim. However, the musical is heralded for its one standout tune: “Mama, a Rainbow.” In this song, the character Adolph Marx contemplates how he can thank his mother for all of the love and support she has shown him. “No One Is Alone”
from Into the Woods (1987) [Sondheim]
Stephen Sondheim
(b. 1930)
Stephen Sondheim is one of Broadway’s best-known and most highly regarded musical
theater composers. Sondheim has received an Academy Award, eight Tony awards, eight
Grammy Awards, the Pulitzer Prize, and the Laurence Olivier award for his outstanding
work in musical theater composition and lyric writing. Sondheim is most noted for his
complex melodic themes, purposeful rhythms, and engaging orchestral scores. Into the
Woods combines many of the Brothers Grimm fairytales into one. The musical explores
the cause and effect nature of every decision we make in life. “No More” occurs in act
two after the giant’s wife has killed most of the main characters. The giant’s wife is
seeking revenge on the characters because of the murder of her husband. The Baker and
Cinderella console Jack and Little Red Riding Hood about their current crisis. The duo
insists that no one can be on their own truly because they have each other.
Monologue: “The Hug Poem”
from All the Hits So Far (2005)
Bradley Hathaway
(b. 1982)
“The Hug Poem” examines the following question: Did Jesus ever hug people? Bradley
Hathaway is a ground-breaking spoken word poet whose works have paved the way for
many arising writers, most notably Jefferson Bethke, whose “Why I Love Jesus, but Hate
Religion” spoken word video has reached over 19 million views on YouTube. I had the
privilege of meeting Bradley Hathaway in 2006 at the International House of Prayer in
Atlanta. He signed a copy of his work All the Hits So Far and inscribed on the front
cover, “Mariel, have a nice time alive.—Bradley Hathaway.” Thank you, Bradley
Hathaway.
“My Everything”
from Great Great God (2011) [Miller]
Thomas Miller
(b. 1978)
“My Everything” is a worship song from Gateway Worship’s 2011 album Great Great
God. Thomas Miller is the senior worship pastor at Gateway Church located in
Southlake, Texas. This song is a simple declaration to the Lord that He is the reason that I
sing. He is “my everything.”
You’re all I need - You are my King
You are my refuge and my strength - You’re my everything.
“Taking Flight” (1994) [Heisler]
Zina Goldrich
(b. 1964)
Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich are known in the musical theater world as the duo that
created the song “Alto‘s Lament.” More recently, however, they are better known as the
writers of the cabaret style ballad, “Taylor, the Latte Boy.” Goldrich and Heisler won the
Fred Ebb award in 2009 for excellence in musical theatre song writing. The duo also was
the recipient of the Richard Rogers New Horizon Award. Love is one of the most
powerful emotions we ever experience as a human being. The loss of someone we love is
a bringer of a powerful grief that is hard to overcome. “Taking Flight” details one man’s
plight as he struggles with the recent death of his wife and how to let go of his pain.
When I originally heard the beautiful message behind the lyric, I knew that this was a
song I had to sing for anyone who has ever lost someone before their time.
“Working Toward Tomorrow”
from Bunked! A Camp Musical (2009) [Kunin]
Bradford Proctor
(b. 1984)
Bunked! A Camp Musical follows the lives of five summer camp counselors as they
journey into adulthood. This song us sung by the entire cast as a declaration to
confidently move forward into the next phase of each of their lives. Our final number is
dedicated to all of the seniors, as we boldly travel out into what the future has in store for
us.
MARIEL THANKS… Mom, Suzanna, Richard and family: Your love and encouragement have meant everything to me. I love you! Preston: I am so glad to have shared my four years at Shorter with you. I could not have asked for a better friend. Thank you for everything. “You are around the clock, and just so you know: everyone else is not.” I love you! Dr. Salter and Julie Bearden, it has been such a blessing and honor to work with you these past two years. Thank you for helping me to grow and to accomplish much more than I imagined I could. I am so thankful for you! Kathy Newman: thank you for believing in me, and for challenging me to continuously strive to accomplish my best work. It’s been such an honor to work with you! Fine Arts Faculty: You are wonderfully talented instructors, and I have learned so much from all of you. Thank you for the excellent training I have received here and for everything you’ve done for us. Showcase Cast: thank you for your hard work and late hours. I love you all! Seniors: It has been a privilege for me to work and learn alongside each of you these past four years. Go and change the world with your gifts! Kristina: thank you for all you’ve done to help with this show. You are a once-­‐in-­‐a-­‐lifetime kind of friend. I love you, my sister! Dad, I wish you could be here to see this. I love you! Thanks to God, my heavenly Father: there are not words enough to express my thanks for everything You’ve done in my life, Lord. You are ‘my everything’. Finally, to all of our friends and faculty at Shorter: thank you for sharing this night with us! We love you all! A Simple Thank You (from Preston) As I sit here and begin writing this note there is one thing I find important to say. Although we may be miles apart, we will always be together. Always. They can beat us down and break us apart, but our love for simply the craft can not be broken. The past four years with such amazing people has taught me a lot about what it means to be truly human, and what it means to be ALIVE! We are all special and all have something to give to this world. No one is unimportant. Although we may have our differences, we all share the same sky, the same destiny. There is so much more to life rather than what we see immediately in front of our faces. I implore you to remember this, as it is a important lesson to learn. As we all venture fourth I pray that we remember the good times rather than to dwell in bitterness. Life is just to short. Maya Angelou once said, “ Bitterness is like a cancer. It eats upon the host.” Don’t let any bitterness over what has happened here contaminate the joy you have experienced. Life is beautiful, and change is simply starting a new adventure! Now on to the sappy feel good stuff. To Mom and Chris. I love you. I’m glad I have such a wonderful and supportive family. Love you bubba! I would like to thank the faculty. You guys have been great teachers, but more importantly you have been my family. Dave, I want to thank you for being a positive and upbeat person. I know no matter how far I go in life, you will always be there to offer your advice and encouragement. Ben, I thank you for teaching me to believe in myself. You have taught me to take risks and enjoy what I‘m doing. Kathy, I only have one thing to say: thank you for your tough love. Chris thank you for teaching me techy things. Who would have thought only years ago I didn’t know how to work a screw gun? Well look at me now! I’m practically a carpenter, no but really I am not! Mr. B I thank you for always being someone we can lean on when we aren’t strong. Jan , I thank you for teaching me to try things. With ought practice there can be no success! I have learned from you we can do anything we put our minds too! Julie, I thank you for being our loving and supporting mother. You have shown us the beauty of singing and we love you! Georgie. I can only echo the feelings of ALL of my classmates as we say “ We Love You.” You have encouraged us all in every endeavor from the very beginning. Your smiling face always brightens our day. You have taught me what it means to truly value all forms of dance! I know you and Ben will be very happy, and I send you all of the love on your new journeys! Dr. Hoch I thank you for helping me find my voice. Words can not express how much you have taught all of your students. We will miss you! Dr. Vosevich you are a great human being. I love you more than words can express. Keep the dream alive, and remember there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Your simply awesome! Shayla, Jazmin, and Crystal. I love you guys and I promise one day if I ever make it big time you will be remembered. I could never ever forget you. I love you, besides we are the best Krystal crew that has ever been. Chris, Eli, and Caitlin. I love you guys. No matter how far we ever are we will always be a happy sitcom family. We have grown so close, I know that we will always be friends. Ryan, Peabody isn’t ready for you! You will succeed I know it. West, Erin, and Andrew you already know. Ride or die, is the expression I think? Love. Cara and Katie Beth, I will always cherish the memories we all made. Xoxo! Siobhan, thank you for just getting me. Wendell, know that you have so much talent, and I look forward to the success you attain! Laura Renfro, I just want you to know how talented you are. The end. Hannah and Elmac I thank you guys for all the support you have shown me through my tenure here, you two are incredible people. Allie I like your sass. Kristina and Megan, keep letting your light shine. Do not waiver in the face of adversity. Stephanie I love you and am so proud of your hard work and awesomeness. Becca rock on wizard woman! To the men of Delta Sigma Phi, I’m glad I have a set of brothers I can always go to when I need them. YITBOS! To all the friends I have ever made here, I am so thankful to you for being a part of my life. I have enjoyed my time with each and every one of you. And this is the point when I begin to weep. To the seniors: we have really been through everything here. From CJC to now we have all grown and really found out who we are. We may be small, but we are mighty. I love each and every one of you. As we look to the future, I pray that we keep growing and becoming better people. I know that we will find success in the world. Our futures our bright. Ellen, I love you and am glad to have you a part of my life. Sarah know no matter what you decided to pursue in life, I will always support you. Vizzy, stay awesome and don’t every change. Jamel I have known you so long now, I’m sure I will know you the rest of my life brother. Jana your amazing and will find much success in whatever path you choose. Kathleen thanks for keeping it real! Your going to change many people’s life with your spirit. Finally, Mariel. Can you believe it? Four years later and we are still best friends. We have been through so much. You have impacted my life in a way that I can never express how much I love you with simple words. You are my sister. I love you. To say anything more would be trite. Remember: blessings and forgiveness. Know through hills and valleys I will always be with you. Do not let anyone squash your joy, ever! You are a talented, wonderful, beautiful, amazing person and I am so honored to call you my best friend. Just think of all the things we have been through together : the cake, The Coosa Valley Fish Fry, numerous adventures, etc;. I will always love you. It seems I have used the word love a lot in this note, but it is true. I love you all. All of you. Remember as we go out into the world, the love you give will return to you. And so I say goodbye! Have a Nice Time Alive!