Students Will Honor Retiring Theater Director With Musical Extravaganza

To honor Serena Seacat, the long-time East Hampton School District theater director who is retiring, students and former students will come together for a performance on Saturday night.

Students from across the district have directed, produced, designed, choreographed, a tribute show that includes favorite scenes from the many musicals Seacat staged over the past 12 years.

Two former students have organized the extravaganza, after Debbie Mansir, Seacat's assistance, got the idea. Brian Niggles, a member of the class of 2009, and Laura Sisco, a 2006 graduate who choreographed, wanted to show their appreciation for Seacat's dedication and instruction.

"Those who have met or worked with Serena know that she is an extraordinarily special woman who has devoted her life to the performing arts. Through her work in the district, she has stimulated immense creativity, professionalism, and camaraderie in children of all ages," he said. "Many of her current and former cast members consider their years involved with the performances to be essential to their future plans and an important part of their education and development. We all fondly consider Serena to be a charismatic member of our family."

Seacat starting directing for the school district in 2001, and produced multiple shows each year in both the high school, middle school and, most recently, the elementary school. Niggles said many of her students took her passion for the arts to empower their own personal voices and talents.

The show will include scenes from major high school productions such as Grease, Leader of the Pack, Bye Bye Birdie, Beauty and the Beast, Oklahoma, The Wizard of Oz, Anything Goes, South Pacific and more, as well as middle school and elementary school performances of Cinderella and Aladdin.

"Much of the event will be a surprise for her, including the former students who are coming back to perform," Niggles said. "Another surprise for Serena is that the proceeds from the show will help initiate a theater arts scholarship fund to benefit graduating seniors of the East Hampton high school who demonstrated talent, commitment, and leadership in the performing arts during their high school career."

The show goes on at East Hampton High School, in the auditorium, on Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $10, $5 for children under 12.

Will you be attending on Saturday? Love Serena? Tell us in the comments below.