Marymount's Spring Musical, "The Boy Friend" transports a rapt audience to the French Riviera!

After 10 weeks of rehearsal, building and painting, this committed group of students succeeded in transforming Cantwell Hall into an effervescent setting, featuring the French Riviera in the Roaring Twenties. Cast members took on saucily broad French and slightly tiddly English accents, learned how to Charleston, mastered the intricacies of Flapper attitudes, and brought joy and camaraderie to the experience every step of the way!

 

As with all theater, this show was not without some unexpected moments. There was the surprising scene during the Saturday matinée when a palm suddenly “wilted” onto the floor and the students needed to improvise ways to sing, dance and act around the fallen tree.  Amidst all of the happy accidents theater can bring, "The Boyfriend" did not disappoint in bringing many poignant moments as well - one of particular note was the duet sung by two cast members that drew many a misty eye.   Throughout all four productions, the Marymount Players showed poise and professionalism, captivating each audience and bringing much joy and laughter along the way!

 

Looking back at their achievements, students discussed the new challenges they had undertaken with this year's production.  One junior laughed, “I played a woman for the first time!” A senior spoke of how proud she was to watch the younger students stepping up to take on leadership roles.  Celebrating the “lively spirit” and unity of the ensemble, underclassmen remarked on the welcome they had received in their new Marymount Arts community and reveled in their newfound friendships with upperclassmen. Choreographer Julie Carson marveled at the transformation that takes place over the course rehearsals and production, when the seed, planted early in the process, suddenly  grows into something of “unexpected and enormous beauty.”  Dr. Koh, vocal director for the musical, concluded that the nature of the arts always seems to be about making something magical out of what may seem like nothing.

 

As one junior said,  “I could feel the champagne bubbles too.”

 

Congratulations to the cast and crew, as well as Director: Claire Hackett, Vocal Director: Dr. Daniel Koh, Orchestra Director: Dr. Stephen Billington, Choreographer: Julie Carson, and Sound/Lighting Designer: Will North for another amazing show!