The Arrowhead High School choirs have been working hard to bring their next musical revue to life. The concert series is set to feature several renowned moments from throughout the history of musical theater. The Musical Theater Nights will be held at Arrowhead High School’s North Campus Theater from March 13 through March 15. The show will begin at 7 p.m. each evening and is expected to run for about three hours. Tickets are available for purchase, ranging in price from $16 to $20 based on availability and location.
The shows are particularly special for students at Arrowhead High School because they have taken the creative lead. Whereas most productions are helmed by school staff and adult volunteers, the revue gives students the chance to direct and choreograph pieces. For young people, having the opportunity to work on more of these behind the scenes aspects is very important. It allows them to experience a part of the theater industry that can be difficult to access. Here, they are allowed to experiment and learn. It’s a way to grow their artistic abilities.
Musical revues are also very layered productions. Whereas plays typically utilize speaking roles, and musicals incorporate song and dance, revues focus on the music, dancing, singing, and acting within small segments of musicals. They are highly focused. Often, the pieces chosen for a review are highly selective and call for a variety of talents.
Last month, the Arrowhead Drama department presented a full-length musical, Bright Star. Written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, the musical focused on the Appalachian mountains and the history of its inhabitants. That series of shows was met by the community with great success, running for five shows between February 13 through February 16. Originally published in 2014, it was one of the first times Bright Star had been performed by a high school theater company in the area.
The Broadway Company is the group of students hosting the Musical Theater Nights. This group is led by Mr. Chaviano, the director of the choir department. The Broadway themed showcase has been a part of Arrowhead’s theatrical tradition for several years. In the past, the revue has featured songs from shows such as Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Songs For a New World, Frozen The Musical, West Side Story, Teen Beach Movie, Newsies, and Spring Awakening.
