Musical Theater is Cool Again

Olivia Walsh lives and breathes theater.  Just finishing her junior year at John Jay High School, she has been part of at least two local productions for each of the past six years. "The shows are a pretty big deal and I plan on pursuing this in my future career," she declared.

Amy Geiger, the school's music teacher and director of the yearly musical says that performing has always been a huge draw at the school. But this year they had the most kids ever auditioning for a part in the production of The Sound of Music, she said.

Musical theater has always been a popular pursuit in Northern Westchester, but with more people watching TV shows like the singing competition Amerian Idol, and Glee, which focuses on a high school show choir, it may be that more young fans are flocking to the stage.

"The show 'Glee' is just an affirmation for the students of how theater can affect people in a positive way, Geiger said.

To Walsh, the show's message is that "it is okay to express yourself through music and it gives kids a sense of status to be able to show their talents this way."

Broadway-style theater and singing classes are available to the younger set throughout the area.  At the Bedford Hills performing arts studio The Pulse , a competitive Glee Club called "Pitch" was added that was very popular this past year, according to owner and artistic director Jennifer Dell.

"The fans of the television show seem to have a rekindled interest in upbeat, feel-good songs. It has really transformed the style of music that teenagers are dancing and singing to," said Dell.

And, according to press representatives of current broadway hits like Hair and American Idiot, the young audiences that are now filling Broadway theaters are a testament to the joy that musical theater is providing them.

For the summer camp season, an array of local programs offer budding stars plenty of production experience. The Amadeus Conservatory of Music in Chappaqua offers a Summer Theater Camp with a full stage musical in which all campers get a part. "It seems that parents are very conversant in musical theater and have taken their kids to lots of Broadway shows," says director Deborah Molodofsky. "Musical theater has always been a big thing for the kids here."

Other area theater camps and workshops include the Harvey Cavalier Summer Camp and the Arts Caravan, both in Katonah, as well as the Little Village Playhouse in Pleasantville and Random Farms Kids' Theater in Elmsford.

All of the surging interest may or may not lead to work in the competitive theater world. Becky Hoffman, a John Jay High School graduate who is now majoring in musical theater at college, is passionate about her career choice. But she adds, "There seems to be fewer opportunities for original productions and lots of remakes and revivals."

The news of one upcoming revival will be sure to set many hearts fluttering in anticipation of auditions. The hit show Annie will return to Broadway in the fall of 2012.

You might have already seen her around town.