Mamma Mia!, BHS Theatre, Reflections

Burlington High School’s production of Mamma Mia! is infectious!

Opening night was exciting and thrilling, and Saturday night was a carbon copy. At the risk of sounding like we’re bragging, we witnessed over 1,000 audience members jump to their feet dancing and shouting for more! WOW! Of course, the cast and crew obliged with three “encore” numbers and sent them on their way with smiles on their faces and memories of a night filled with sheer theatre enjoyment.

We were asked by an audience member on opening night if and how our productions have changed through the years. The answer is complex and includes the realities of venue changes and resulting limitations, fluctuating budget constraints, and the progress of technology and the digital age.

There is one thing that has not changed over time; the theatre family at Burlington High School has been home to thousands of students, a place where they could return to after school and feel the familiarity of other kids who work as a team to produce something pretty amazing without judgement.  Every student who has entered the theatre wing can tell you that it is a place of acceptance and tolerance, no matter who you are.

For 53 years running, the Burlington High School music department and drama club have been bringing successful musicals to our stage, beginning in 1963 with a production of Oklahoma. Since then we have been to high places with Once Upon a Mattress (1979 and 1989, starring Amy Poehler in the latter) and  to the Emerald City in The Wizard of Oz (2009, with munchkins from the ranks of our elementary and middle school levels); we’ve asked, “How are things in Glocamorra?” in a magical Scottish village in Brigadoon (1966 and 1992), and pondered the age old question, “comedy tonight?” in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1983).

In more recent years we witnessed blockbuster Broadway musicals, some still on the Great White Way or in national touring companies, that introduced casts in the range of 100 students or more, including Jekyll and Hyde (2005), Les Miserables (2007), Beauty and the Beast (2011) and Titanic (2010).

Moving on to answer that question posed on opening night, we can offer the following:

·         Sets are a big part of theatre magic--their design, build and movement has changed, keeping current and reflecting trends in the theatre world.

·         Voice amplification has moved from stationary group mikes to complete sound systems, digital boards and wireless mikes for all principal and secondary cast members. 

·         Lighting is so much more than a few gel coverings on can lights and is now designed not only for affect but also to create mood and influence emotion.

·         Backstage monitors are now used in multiple locations as tools for cast, crew and orchestra members to be on their marks and follow the music director.

·         Ticketing is now handled through an event organization and can offer insight into sales and provide marketing information needed to forecast or report tickets sale.

·         Publicity has progressed from mimeographed copies of flyers and programs to digitally based news outlets and social media, while still maintaining print media and word of mouth.

On another note, visuals have been amazing, the talent is career-making and the dancing is nothing less than aerobic! Setting all that aside and looking backstage, we have witnessed a small army of folks working feverishly on cue to place a set, dress a bed, place a pea, fly a nanny and sink a ship. The stage manager runs that show and in each and every musical that goes up at BHS, it has been a student (with professional guidance) at the helm. And those lighting and sound crews? Also student operated.

Stage crew has grown, too. Students who work backstage are now part of a sponsored club at BHS that offers an alternative to being onstage as a performer. Some take the step and audition after gaining a bit of courage and self-confidence while watching from the wings. There is opportunity for everyone.

Now, back to the show currently onstage at Burlington High School. Mamma Mia! returns this weekend to finish its run on March 29 and 30 at 7:30 pm and March 31 at 2:00 pm. Performances take place in the Fogelberg Performing Arts Center of Burlington High School, located at 123 Cambridge Street.

Get ready to kick up your heels and rock out to the music onstage. Tickets range from $10-$15 and are currently available on BurlingtonTheatre.com, 781-A-FUN-TIC and can be purchased at the door on the day of the performance.

PLEASE DON’T WAIT…the second weekend ALWAYS sells fast. Best bet for great seats are Friday and Saturday night (3/29-3/30); limited seats are available for the matinee on March 31^st.

Thanks for coming and for supporting all we do in the arts at Burlington High School.