Today is the day for success, Carpe Diem! We may be slightly nervous, but we're ready for action. It's premiere time and everyone is ready to bring Kelsey E. Collie's (Kelsey E. Collie Children's Theatre Experience) "Do You Like Good Music" into artistic perfection. Mr. Collie is an internationally known children's theatre producer, director, writer, teacher, and advocate. He founded the Howard University Children's Theatre and led it to become the most outstanding new children's theatre in the United States in 1974. For 37 years, he has developed many of the performers seen on television, stage, in motion pictures and recordings. His award winning chronology, "Black Images/Black Reflections" was staged in Dundalk Ireland's Town Hall. He directed "Night of the Divas" with Cicely Tyson, Nancy Wilson, The Louis Johnson Dancers and Clamma Dale at the Kennedy Center. Collie has conducted workshops in Finland, Czechoslavakia, the Bahamas, and Canada.
We have done dress rehearsal and are awaiting the start of the production as I type. Here is a few pictures of us getting ready:
Here is Karrell Partee getting the costumes ready and picking out an afro for the Jackson 5 ABC skit.
Here is Josiah and Eric inspecting the microphones.
Our stage manager Dylan is in place and ready to direct everything for the play. She has to keep in contact with the sound to cue when the music should begin for each performance, she has to direct lighting to make sure that the right people are in the spotlight and she has to keep everyone in the play on cue for when they should enter and exit the stage. She's a busy woman!
Ms. Shirley is conducting a short meeting with everyone before the play. All the ushers should know important information like where special guests should sit, which seats should be reserved, and they should know the fire emergency plan just in case.
Okay it's showtime and the show has begun. Wish us luck.
Here is a shot of the play from backstage:
Here is a special shot of the Jackson Five singing ABC
The Temptations
Kianna Lewis sings "Will You Still Love Me"
The show was a hit! The crowd loved it and they are screaming for more. We have another show later tonight and don't forget about tomorrow's performance. Thank you THEARC interns, staff, Robin Harris and Mr. Collins for a lovely performance.
Kelsey Collie Would like to send a special thank you to the parents and guardians of the participants; Robin Harris and her capable staff at THEARC; the Department of Parks and Recreation; Serenity Players; and St. Teresa of Avila congregation; Bill Crewes; Edmond Fleet; Executive Director of THEARC; Joyce Collie; Carolyn Martin Andrews; Maria and Warren Hemphill; and all others who have made valuable contributions for the success of this theatrical experience.
