Kids Up Front: Young cast delivers outstanding performances of Disney's "High School Musical"

For more information about Kids Up Front, visit the website at www.kidsupfront.org

By John M. Benson
April 13, 2007

The enchanting, talented cast of Kids Up Front treated sell-out houses to a vigorous production of Disney’s “High School Musical” over the weekend of March 30 and 31.

The profoundly confident and exuberant cast included Riley Feehan, Kayla Somer, Katherine Smith, Tyler Smith, Rebecca Meyers, Antonia Carey Zachary Prekpalaj, Marc Russell and Rebecca Borsavage, Gray Barnes, JR Gamby, Rebecca Borsavage, Juliana Fernandes, Nicole Mastrobuono, Sarah Curry, Kelsie O’Flanagan, Brooke Smith, William Vellek, Brianna Coyle, Christina Watson, Kaitlyn McCarthy, Rebecca Meyers, Emma Sweeney, Cameryn Curry, Jessica Bulzacchelli, Emma Heubel, Marygrace Orfanella, Tara Severence, Meghan Rodriguez, Emma Borsavage, Josette Corrao, Aidan Feehan and Marley Roche.

Kids Up Front founder Rachel Borsavage produced this show, with exciting and creative direction and choreography by Regina Sweeney and musical direction by Angeline Brown. The approach of producer and directors is designed to fill these young performers with confidence in their own value and skill, and it is evident in the way the belt out the songs and fill out the dances with such enjoyment and excitement.

Borsavage spoke after the successful weekend about the mission of Kids Up Front and the response of this cast: “The overall mission of Kids Up Front is to boost children’s self-confidence, to make them feel good about themselves. The shows are always great fun for all of us. I enjoy working with the kids in Kids Up Front so much. I love seeing the kids from start to finish, and watching them perform at the end of the workshop is just the most beautiful thing. This group responded very well. This is our tenth show, and a lot of these kids have been with us for every single workshop. They are grown up now and they are middle school kids, and once they get out on the stage, they are great, they give it their heart and soul.”

Regina Sweeney offered her message to the cast and families with this tribute in the program: “Buried deep within the catchy songs and fell good plot of High School Musical are some lyrics that define my experience with this talented cast. ‘There’s not a star in heaven that we can’t reach, if we’re trying.’ I have had the privilege to watch this group of young people challenge themselves, grow, change and learn all within the parameters of a theatrical production. I’ve watched them reach for the highest stars and now it’s time for those stars to shine!’”

Borsavage added, “We are so thankful to Melissa Smith of the Recreation Department, and especially to Robyn Woolley, who is Melissa’s assistant. They are always very helpful.”

Borsavage also extended special thanks to Morris Morgan and all the parents of the cast members.

The stage manager for “High School Musical” was Kaitie DelPozzo, set designer Kimberely Standerwick, Sound/Photographer Aaron Emke, with publicity by Amy Emke.

Kids Up Front is now doing two workshops/productions each year, with a preparation period of about 12 weeks for each show.

“We meet once a week for twelve weeks,” Borsavage said in explaining the program and process. “We have a casting call, during which the kids all meet with the director, they meet with the musical director, they meet with the choreographer, and they play all different kinds of theater games. Then, they have an opportunity to do a little solo singing if they are interested in a solo part.

“It is all just about getting comfortable with each other and having fun, and then the director, the musical director and the choreographer together will decide the casting from among the kids that they saw playing the games, and who they know from past shows. It isn’t always that a kid gets a part based on their talents. We give out parts sometimes just based on a kid’s enthusiasm, because we want to give everyone a good part. Maybe they have been in three plays with us and they are enthusiastic and they put their heart and soul into it, maybe we will give them a chance to be a lead.”

Amy Emke, Mary DeBellis, Carole Gajdosik, Linda Ferri and Rachel Borsavage constitute the Kids Up Front Board of Directors.

The stated Mission of Kids Up Front: “To offer young people an opportunity to participate in theater programs that celebrate community, culture, and art. This is a supportive, non-competitive environment where participants are encouraged to develop their creativity both as individuals and by working cooperatively as a team, which builds character and strengthens self-esteem.”

The High School Musical is presented through special arrangement with MTI and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Music Theatre International.