BHS Students Go Broadway

"Center yourselves!" "Hold until the curtain closes!" "Project, project, project!"

These were just some of the orders that senior directors Hayley White, Sammy Brown, and Erin Wein were shouting to student performers at a recent rehearsal of Broadneck High School's annual Broadway Review.

The production will be held tonight in the high school auditorium at 7pm. There is no cost to get in, all are welcome, but it is usually a packed house so arrive early.

This is the fourth year for the review, a collection of songs from Broadway shows performed and completely produced by BHS students.

"It started when four kids came to me with the idea," said Valerie Bennett, choral director for the school. "I said I didn't want to do a talent show, so they came up with the Broadway theme. They said they would do everything, so I said ok."

And the kids really do everything. From holding auditions and deciding on whose in or out, to choreography, to stage direction and the tech crew, it is all done by students.

"I'm just here to play piano and supervise," Bennett said.

Rehearsals have been grueling, including one held all day on Election Day, when the students were out of school.

At a dress rehearsal this week after a lengthy mic check, the cast and crew began the run through.

BHS student Chris Hudson began in the spotlight, taking the lead vocal in a group production of "Be Our Guest" from Beauty and the Beast.  To establish his MC role, he wore a stunning Naval formal jacket, a gift from his Naval Officer dad.

"Parents are just so supportive. We couldn't do this without them," said Bennett who said one had even brought boxes and boxes of pizza for the run through that evening.

Though the evening included faulty mics, forgotten lyrics, and wardrobe malfunctions, the challenges didn't  lessen the enthusiasm of the young performers.

"They love this, you can just tell," said Bennett, who couldn't be prouder of her kids.