​Briarcliff HS Presents 'The Boys from Syracuse' Musical

From Briarcliff HS: Students from Briarcliff High School are preparing for a lively performance of “The Boys from Syracuse,” a madcap musical with music by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart and a book by George Abbott, based on William Shakespeare’s “A Comedy of Errors.” The fast-paced comic plot will keep audience members of all ages entertained, amused and engaged.

A zany take on one of the oldest stories in the book, “The Boys from Syracuse” is an archetypal 1930s musical – a hilarious frolic through a small town where two pairs of separated-at-birth identical twins seem destined never to find each other, causing mayhem along the way. Throw in a magician, a Chihuahua in sunglasses, infectious tap routines and the classic songs of Rodgers and Hart (including “Sing for Your Supper” and “This Can’t Be Love”), and you have a treat for the whole family!

“Legend has it that Rodgers and Hart came up with the idea of creating a musical based on Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors” initially as a joke, but their creative juices were so stirred that an all-time classic musical comedy was born,” said Director Ian Driver of Briarcliff High School.

Told in modern language but with a story that remains true to the original plot, “The Boys from Syracuse” is a link between Broadway tradition and classic literature. A gift for a school program combining fun with educational resonances, Briarcliff students have created their own modern version of this classic comedy.

Driver was given special permission by R&H Theatricals to update the musical to Fellini’s Italy of the early 1960s. “The themes and styles of the Fellini genre mirror the themes in the show and allow us to throw in added flavor,” he said.

“Vespas and gelato” is Driver’s shorthand description – and to add to the atmosphere, the Briarcliff Friends of the Arts will serve traditional Italian gelato in the lobby before and after each performance.

The performances will take place in the Frances G. Wills Auditorium at Briarcliff High School on:

• Friday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 5 at 2:30 p.m.

All tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.showtix4u.com. For questions about tickets, contact briarcliffticketsales@gmail.com.

Photos courtesy of the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District (Briarcliff High School will present “The Boys from Syracuse” from March 3 – 5.)