As the first student performance and the first musical in the new Black Box Theatre, we are thrilled to report that last week's production of Urinetown – The Musical received rave reviews. Attendance was outstanding for each performance, with over 200 attending each of the four performances. There was a ripple effect throughout the weekend as positive "buzz" spread throughout the Sage Hill community, drawing in new audiences that had never before seen a Sage Hill performance.

At the end of last year the Theatre Department chose Urinetown – The Musical to be the first student production in the Black Box Theatre. Jason Spelbring, the director, states "he wanted the production to reflect the new space. A Roger and Hammerstein production did not seem appropriate - the new theater needed a contemporary musical." The choice was clear, Urinetown – The Musical, which first opened on Broadway in September of 2001, included big dance numbers and utilized all the actors in every scene in the show.

The result was a truly professional production in both look and feel. From the acting to the lights and sound system, the audience was treated to a professional theatrical musical experience. Students not only acted but served as stage manager, lighting techs and even choreographer. Taleen Shrikian, class of 2011, took over the choreography for the entire show and was able to shape Jason Spelbring’s vision as if she was a professional choreographer.

Taleen Shrikian states "as the choreographer for the show, I aimed to create challenging dance numbers in Urinetown that would ultimately set a higher standard for dancing in musicals at Sage Hill. It wasn't easy, but with the hard work and commitment of each talented cast member, we definitely pulled it off! The dance numbers in Urinetown not only raised the bar for dancing in future Sage Hill musicals, but also ended up being some of the most memorable moments of the show. It was overall a true honor to work on this show with Mr. Spelbring and the whole cast of Urinetown and I will never forget the memories we created in the process."

Madelyn Casserly, class of 2010, who participated in the show, had the following to say: "Urinetown was such a wonderful experience. Plays are such a marvelous way to bond with fellow students and in this show, as the only female senior in the cast, I really got to know everyone from the lower grades. We had such a beautiful and talented cast, all of whom I am so blessed to have met and worked with. As always it was a blast to work with Mr. Spelbring whose artistic direction and delightful spirit are so encouraging. Even though I only get one year in the new and gorgeous Studio, I am so grateful and in love with the space. I am so honored to have been in the premiere show for the Studio and it was a perfect way to start my senior year at Sage Hill."

Please plan on joining us in the next student production of Arthur Miller’s acclaimed family drama "All My Sons" on February 4, 5, 6 at 7:30 PM and February 7 at 2 PM.