Friday, June 22, 2012

Days 2 & 3: Legendary Dinner, "Nice" Night on the Town and even lunch was a SMASH!

Day 2 and the participants were off and running bright and early with music rehearsal.  They were introduced to their medley groups by Music Director Michael Moricz and stepped into solo coaching sessions for the first time...all before lunch!  This year's coaches represent an incredible wealth of talent:  Broadway's Liz Callaway and Michael McElroy return once again and are joined by three exciting stage and screen veterans: Telly Lueng, who recently appeared in Godspell while on break from "GLEE," Leslie Odom, Jr. of "Smash" fame whose Broadway credits include RENT and Leap of Faith and Broadway star of Aida and RENT, Schele Williams-Kleinberger. 

Though each student was assigned to one of these performing arts professionals, they had the exciting opportunity to meet each coach during lunch and a talk-back session.  One by one, the coaches described their own adventures in high school musical theater.  As the students looked on in awe, the coaches told stories of their individual journeys to Broadway; in addition offering advice to those looking to make a career in show business while emphasizing the importance of education and ongoing training in any form.  After an informative and inspiring discussion the nominees returned to their coaching sessions for further solo work. 

Following a full afternoon of coaching and medley work the students changed into their Thursday finest and hit the road for Times Square.  Taking a ride on "The Ride" - Manhattan's largest and only glass-enclosed motor coach fleet - the participants arrived at Sardi's to dine in New York's most iconic restaurant.  After dinner they were headed to the Imperial Theatre to enjoy Nice Work If You Can Get It, but not before Nice Work star and 2012 Tony Award winner Michael McGrath stopped by for a friendly visit before heading to "Work" himself.  By the end of the night the participants were weary, but satisfied; many having witnessed their very first Broadway show.  Did we mention they also had an exclusive talk-back session with the cast, including star Kelli O'Hara and legend Estelle Parsons?!  The days at NHSMTA are long, but it truly is "Nice work if you can get it..."


After a fun-filled evening the race was on as Day 3 began with in-depth medley work and further solo coaching sessions.  The morning's hard work was rewarded with a special visit from "Smash" star, Christian Borle, fresh off of his 2012 Tony Award win for Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for his role as Black Stache in Peter and the Starcatcher.  He shared stories about Broadway, television and his hilarious high school musical hijinks in Pittsburgh, PA, leaving the nominees with a renewed sense of purpose as they headed into their evening sessions.
       

1 comment:

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