Weston High School is home to an array of aspiring young actors and singers, specifically, members of WHS Company (www.whscompany.com). Over the years, they’ve entertained audiences through both timeworn and more contemporary productions, and Emmanuel Church would like to salute their talent with the showcase, “Broadway Bound: A Tribute to WHS Company.” The afternoon will feature music from the Greater Bridgeport Symphony Brass Quintette -- drawn from past Company shows, coupled with a preview of Weston High School’s upcoming performance, Legally Blonde. The tribute will take place on Sunday, February 28 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm, at Emmanuel Church, 285 Lyons Plain Road, Weston. Admission is free and “Broadway Bound” is open to the community.
WHS Company is a student-run theater organization founded in 1984, and the high school’s largest club at ninety members strong. Company traditionally presents four productions per year: a drama, musical, one acts (student-directed) and dialogue (student-written and directed works). This spring’s performance, Legally Blonde, is the story of sorority girl, Elle Woods, and her attempts to win back her Harvard Law School, ex-boyfriend, Warner. The show’s music and lyrics are by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and the musical is based on the novel by Amanda Brown, and the 2001 film of the same name. Legally Blonde was nominated for seven Tony awards, including Best Original Score and Best Choreography.
Company will share a stage excerpt of Legally Blonde at “Broadway Bound,” giving attendees a glimpse of their full performance slotted for: Thursday, March 31 at 7:30 pm., Friday April 1 and Saturday, April 2 at 8:00 pm., and a matinee on Sunday, April 3rd at 3:00 pm. Legally Blonde is appropriate for all ages and will have two intermissions. Tickets will be available soon ($15 adults; discounted price for children/seniors) at www.whscompany.com or at the door. Liz Morris is the show’s Director, and Paul A. Levin, Monzelle Schmeideck and Patricia Goodrich are Legally Blonde’s Producers.
“WHS Company is both thrilled to be recognized by the community, and grateful to Emmanuel Church for initiating ‘Broadway Bound.’ We’re also thankful for the opportunity to celebrate our cast, while promoting the arts at large in Weston and beyond,” said Liz Morris, Director, Legally Blonde.
The Legally Blonde cast includes Jenna Babyak (as Elle Woods), Brandon Rakowski (as Emmett Forrest), Krista Nayden (as Paulette), Lake Jacobs-Skolik (as Professor Callahan), Kaitin Brozek (as Vivienne Kensington), Seth Woodhouse as (Warner Huntington 111), Jane Burdett (as Brooke Wyndam), Sophie Lang (as Laelani), Izzy Angeli (as Margot), Rachael Buddenhagen (as Pilar), Maddy Johnson (as Serena), Isabel Gautier (as Gaelen), Grace Goodrich (as Kate), Amanda Maddox (as Ce Ce), Thomas Valenti (as Elle’s Dad), Erika Schmeideck (as Elle’s Mom), Julia Cohen (as Enid Hoopes), Abby Glasberg (as Chutney), Christopher Hamilton (as Kyle), and Sophia Reynolds (as store manager). Additional students will take part in the dance chorus, as well as portray frat boys and Harvard staffers & students.
“Broadway Bound” will also feature a door prize package: a complimentary dinner for two at Weston’s The Lunch Box and two tickets to Legally Blonde. In addition, Company will host a bake sale during the afternoon’s musical and dramatic performances.
“Broadway Bound” is Emmanuel Church’s most recent nod to the arts, in addition to their annual happenings -- The Arts Bloom in Weston, Family Fair, and summer concert series. With its renovated parish hall as the backdrop, Emmanuel has become a hub for all things community and cultural, and has plans for additional, themed musical programming on designated Sundays. The “Broadway Bound” planning committee is especially pleased to help support the theatrical work of Weston’s youth via the celebration on the 28th.
“Emmanuel Church is delighted to host “Broadway Bound” and its salute to the shows performed by Company. The Greater Bridgeport Symphony’s Brass Quintette will play past show tunes, while WHS Legally Blonde cast members will provide a sneak preview. The event promises to build community and be a fitting tribute,” said John Boys, Emmanuel Church Music Coordinator.
For details, visit www.emmanuelweston.org or call the parish office at (203) 227-8565. Inquiries for WHS Company may be directed to contact@whscompany.com.