As we say goodbye to another successful season of the
Burlington Educational Summer Theatre (BEST) and this year’s production of Legally Blonde Jr, we would like to
acknowledge every individual who was critical to the success of the
program. It was through their patience, expertise and dedication that the young participants
had a fulfilling and fun learning experience.
It just so happens that to execute a program of this magnitude and excellence, it takes a village! Our village numbered over 40 people who worked behind the scenes to shine the light on our 70 young actors!
BEST Performing Arts Director John Middleton-Cox
assembled a staff of experienced professionals for the production of Legally Blonde Jr, which included artistic director Warren Scott
Friedman, music director Steve Black, choreographer Thom Hardy, program manager
Kim Cook, assistant director Jamie Cook, set designer Peter Waldron and costume
designer Maureen Krebs.
Performing arts students from Burlington High School played
an integral part on the staff as counselors and technical staff. Included in
these positions were dance captain Kellsee Lynch, assistants to the director
Ivy Saltsman and Christina Charmant, stage manager William Waisnor III,
assistant stage manager Samantha Cobuzzi-Luecke and production assistant/prop master
Stefanie Sganga.
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Legally Blonde Jr tech crew was critical to its success!
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Also part of the staff were lighting technicians Sanjana
Manghnani and Ethan Sehr, sound technicians Alex Johnson and Owen Johnson, and
spotlight operators Scott Czerwinski and Sean Donovan. Joining them behind the
scenes as running crew members were Gina Anastasiades, Adam Cobuzzi-Luecke,
Maddy Doherty, David Kolifrath, Cole Lasco and Audrey Waisnor.
Senior counselors during the three-week theatre experience
included Ivy Saltsman, Luis Villalta, Christina Raposo, Christina Charmant,
Scott Czerwinski, Christian Weisse, Grace Visco and Caroline O’Callaghan; they
were joined by junior counselors were Sean Donovan, Cam Noonan and Katelyn
Conley.
Public relations and media contributors were photographer
Chet Maguire (who also took on the role of publicity imaging and carpenter), videographer
Alan McRae and publicity manager Vanessa Ovian; office manager was Anna Choi
and house manager was Connor Pustizzi.
Orchestra members included conductor and keyboard I player
Steve Black, Keyboard II player Lianne Goodwin, woodwinds player Jenny Connors,
percussionist Jack Butler and bass guitarist John Grealish.
During the same three weeks of rehearsal for “Legally
Blonde, Jr,” BEST also held three one-week workshops for young students in
grades one through five to focus on performance skills that encourage self-esteem
and build self-confidence. The workshop was led by director Erin Lane, with
counselors Erin Kerr and Mary Kate Murphy.
Finally, BEST had a little help from "friends" Faydeen Sateriale,
the BHS IT Department, administration and custodians.
A hearty congratulations to one and all for making this
season of the Burlington Educational Summer Theatre such a success…we’ll see
you all next year!
