By Isabella Guttman, ’13, Contributor
This year’s US Winter Musical is Thoroughly Modern Millie, a romantic comedy that takes place during the time of the fast-changing life of the Roaring 20s, when jazz and bobbed hair were popular. The musical is written and composed by Jeanine Tesori and Dick Scanlan, and based on the 1967 film, Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Performances are in the Keeler Theater on Thursday, Feb. 25 and Friday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 27 at 1 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults, and can be purchased at the door or online here.
“It is a humorous, fun, upbeat musical and has really great songs,” Director Mark Femia said.
The CCDS production features 37 students. Ali Breneman, ’11, stars as a small town girl from Kansas, Millie Dillmount, who moves to New York in search of a rich man and a new way of life. The story mainly focuses on Millie’s experience in New York as she finds herself in funny situations with her awful landlord, and her struggle to choose between love and money.
Cast member Charlie Schreiber, ’10, who has been in a handful of other school performances throughout his years at CCDS, said “the show is great for a high school like ours where there is so much talent, because it allows a lot of different characters to be showcased. It is a very funny show with a lot of implied innuendo humor. I think everyone is really going to enjoy it!”
Mr. Femia’s favorite scene is called “Speed Test.” During a job interview, in order for Millie to get the job, she must show how fast she can type.
The performance includes a notable amount of eighth graders as well. According to Mr. Femia, MS boys were necessary to include because not enough US boys tried out for the musical. MS girls will also play roles in this year’s performance.
The snow days got in the way of some practices, but Mr. Femia thinks they helped raised the bar. There were times the students had to work weekends to perfect scenes and go over songs in order to make up the practice time they lost.
But cast member Molly Petre, ’13, said she didn’t mind putting in the extra time. “We spend a lot of time together. It takes a team effort to make things happen and move smoothly. Overall, our dedication and excitement add to the show.”
Thoroughly Modern Millie premieres in Keeler Theater on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. and will also show on Friday Feb. 26 at 7 p.m., and on Saturday Feb. 27, at 1 and 7 p.m.
Group photo by Ilana Habib, ’11. Photo of Ali Breneman courtesy of Micaela Mullee, ’10.