Q&A: Best of Broadway Wraps Theatre Under the Stars

In its 38th year of production Best of Broadway introduces "Musical World" to Fair Oaks' Theatre Under the Stars.

The production includes more than 700 costumes, 130 performers and 50 musical performers woven into a 2-hour performance, said producer David MacDonald. 

"This year features song and dance from more than 24 shows representing various nations of the world including England, India, France, America, etc," he said. "The show is fast-paced, high-energy and colorful."

Best of Broadway will be performed Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting Sept. 16, running till Oct. 2.

We sat down with members of the cast to learn more about the production. Here's what they had to say:

Singer and Dancer Randy Solorio Shares The Passion and Camraderie With Community

Fair Oaks Patch: What is your role in the production?

Randy Solorio: My role in the production has been as a singer/dancer.

FOP: How long have you been a part of this production and how has your role changed?

RS: I have been a part of the Best of Broadway since 1979 with a couple of years off while I was out of the area doing other shows. When I started the show I was strictly a dancer. As the years went on, my voice and stage presence improved and Dave MacDonald put his trust in me to sing some featured solos. I am so grateful to Dave for giving me the chance to sing, he had more faith in what I was capable of doing than I did myself. And since I am getting older...singing doesn't hurt my body as much as dancing.

FOP: What is your favorite part about being in this production?

RS: The people and the camaraderie. This show has a large and diverse cast. We all work so close and hard that you become very tight with the other performers. I still have friends from my first years that I keep in touch with across the country.

FOP: What does being a part of this production mean to you?

RS: Since I have been doing this show so long, it is part of who I am. I look forward to the show every year. It becomes a reunion with friends and a chance to entertain and perform. My daughter is in the show this year and I will have the opportunity to perform with her in some of the numbers. There is nothing more exciting than performing with your daughter. I am a born and bred Sacramentan and I enjoy and embrace the fact that I have the opportunity to perform in the Best of Broadway and be part of a cast that brings enjoyment to the community. 

FOP: How is this production different than other productions you've done? 

RS: The Best of Broadway is more than just a culmination of songs and dances from shows. It brings with it, in every production, a message of friendship, community, sharing, compassion and love for your fellow human being.

FOP: What can members of Fair Oaks expect out of this performance?

RS: The people that come to see the show can expect to see some of the best local talent in the Sacramento area. With the history of this show, they may even see a future broadway or movie star in the making. Audiences have always said that the Best of Broadway is a fast-paced, energetic production that leaves them with a smile on their face and song in their heart. Since moving the production to the Fair Oaks Veteran's Memorial Amphitheatre, the show has become even more intimate under the stars.

Performer Kathryn Skinner Shares Lifelong Experiences With Friends New and Old

FOP: How long have you been with the production and what about this production has kept you around?

Kathryn Skinner: The first time I performed in the show was when my mother was one of the star sopranos and I was only 6 years old. I played one of the orphans in the "Annie" segment, Molly Ringwald was Annie. We moved away, but when I graduated college and came back to Sacramento, I auditioned and have done the show over 15 years since. Dave, Mary, the choreographers, costumers, performers and everyone else involved in this production have become family. The show takes a lot of work and dedication, but it doesn't take long before it's in your blood and a part of your life you look forward to every year.

FOP: Since this production is a culmination of songs and dances - which is your favorite?

KS: I always love when Dave features numbers from well-known broadway productions. One of my favorites is a feature I'm honored to have this year, "All That Jazz" from Chicago. I appreciate that Dave also exposes us and the audience to music from lesser-known productions. This has led me to attending shows I might have missed altogether, but found the music so intriguing I had to see them. For instance, some of the music this year is from "Scarlet Pimpernel." Not everyone's heard of that show, but the music is spectacular.

FOP: How does the current cast embody Best of Broadway?

KS: This year's cast is made up of many veterans, but we're also thrilled to have a bunch of new faces and talent. It's an exciting experience for everyone. The cast includes all ages from young children to grandmothers. There's room in the show for anyone who loves music, theater and community. Performing in Fair Oaks Village has enhanced the benefitting-community feel.

FOP: What is the most difficult part of this production?

KS: The most difficult part of the show is definitely the rehearsal schedule. It takes a lot of work to pull a production like this together. Most performers have rehearsals several nights a week and all day on Saturdays for a couple months leading up to opening night. There are several of the cast members this year, myself included, who travel hundreds of miles from the bay area, Chico and Discovery Bay to participate. This proves that the rewards far outweigh the challenges.

FOP: What is the most rewarding part of this production?

KS: The most rewarding part of the show is the result of everyone's hard work when the music begins playing on opening night. The camaraderie and dedication of the cast and crew is what always turns the hectic (and sometimes chaotic) rehearsal schedule into fabulous and fun entertainment for the community. We know our efforts not only enhance the lives of those who see our performances, but create lifelong experiences and memories for everyone involved. Friendships from Best of Broadway last a lifetime.