This article appeared in the Thursday, November 10, 2011 Edition of The St. Albans Messenger
Seussical the Musical takes stage tonight
Fairfax makes theatrical comeback
By LISA M. BOUCHER
Messenger Correspondent
FAIRFAX- The stage lights are set! There's mischief! There's fun! Mayhem abounds from 40 to one! The Cat in the Hat, Horton, The Grinch, Mayzie, poor Gertrude, and Cindy Lou Who Do you remember, Thing One and Thing Two?
Tonight marks the third year since Bellows Free Academy, Fairfax (BFA) started back down the path of epic musical productions with the opening of "Seussical the Musical" at 7 p.m.
The Pre-K through Grade 12 school made a grand comeback in 2009 from a five-year production hiatus, with four sold out shows
of Disney's Broadway production of "Beauty and the Beast." Last year the 'ensemble came back with a new director, some new,
younger cast members and pulled off another four spellbinding performances with "Willy Wonka."
Under the producing and directing tutelage of Jerry Bailey and Julie Filiberti again this year, the Middle and High School collaborative drama production gained a number of younger members, while the seasoned cast has more senior members who won't be returning than there has been in the past.
"I did it again because of the rewards of seeing these guys across the grades come together and do what they do," said Julie Filiberti, director on her second run in the high school musical director's chair. "I'm always impressed with students who shine on stage. Some of the seniors, Morgan and Meghan were in my first Elementary (drama) group."
The seven multi-talented seniors who were among the cornerstones of rebuilding the dramatic arts program are Brianna Hamilton (stage hand and sets), Troy Millette (Horton, the compassionate elephant), Meghan Bosley (a flamboyant Bird Girl), Eric Newbury (The Cat in the Hat), Morgan Marnell (a splashy Bird Girl), Michaela George (a flashy Bird Girl), and Kali Santor (a jazzy Bird Girl, who has choreographed all three musicals).
The cast of 40, ranging from grades five to 12, has been rehearsing since early September. Santor, created movement and dance for
the 26 songs in the show; the opening number alone has the entire cast on stage at the same time, singing and dancing with precision.
"Each show. has its own challenges, there is always a lot of stress," said Filiberti, "This is a difficult show. I give Kali a lot of credit. I couldn't have done it without her."
Although Filiberti and Bailey returned, there were other major changes within the program this year the students had to adapt to,
not the least of which being a new musical director, Lauren Dabkowski and set designer, Emily Garland. Students have also had a
greater role in doing the majority of the work with this production, something not stressed as much in the preceding musicals.
Seussical, according to Music Theater International, is one of the most performed shows in America. Its offbeat characters, endearing stories, and inspiring messages are well known through several generations.
"I feel we've built something here," said Producer, Jerry Bailey. "I feel like we've established legitimate theater here (again) at Fairfax."
BFA expects to sell-out all four shows, which begin tonight and run through Saturday (at 7 each night), with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday. There will be a meet-and-greet with some of the main characters, after the matinee. Tickets can be purchased in advance in the main office at BFA, Fairfax. Prices for adults are $9 and. $7 for students and children.