March 26, 2012
Von Trapp Family from Willsboro's Sound of Music
At this moment, I am audienced out, not sure "how to succeed," and am wondering whether to "start at the very beginning" or "somewhere over the rainbow."

In any case, it must be spring in the Adirondacks because musical theatre season is blooming everywhere—even here in the North Country. No matter what the temperature, this is one season we Adirondackers share with those in warmer climes.

This year, just like our early spring, the shows have been busting out all over, with many falling on the same weekend. Of course, I haven't been able to get to them all, so I'd like to focus on the ones I have managed to take in.

I think I'll proceed geographically, starting with the furthest south and working my way north.

Scarecrow and Dorothy from Schroon Lake Production

There were two productions of "The Wizard of Oz" to choose from in the North Country. Since I have met the young woman playing Dorothy (Clare Whitney) in Schroon Lake Central School's production, I thought I'd give that one a try. (The AuSable Valley Players at AuSable Valley Central School in Clintonville produced the other one which got rave reviews as well).

I learn before the play begins that the piano accompanist is Tony Kotsecki, the General Director of the Seagle Music Colony in Schroon Lake, according to their website, the oldest summer vocal training program in the U.S.

Munchkinland Coroner

I've seen this show before but it's always a pleasure to witness firsthand how different production teams stage the timeless classic by L. Frank Baum. The sets and costumes here in Schroon Lake are appropriately colorful and perfectly suited for the piece. The students are well cast with strong singing voices. Even the elementary students are right on. I especially enjoy the Munchkin Coroner's stage moments.

The Witch in Twister Scene

The twister scene and wizard scene both capitalize on the movie screen housed in the fly space of the stage and a film featuring appropriate cast members from this production. Another special touch is how the poppies are depicted—painted umbrellas. It's signature moments like these that make these productions unique and worth the trip. To top it off, the intermission offering is Aunt Em's Fresh-Baked Cookies and Emerald City Punch!

Willsboro's Nuns from Sound of Music
No musical season would be complete without a Rodgers & Hammerstein production and this season Willsboro Central School shared one of their family favorites, "The Sound of Music". The tale of the musical von Trapp family in a Nazi-occupied Austria is handily served up under director Derrick Hopkins' tutelage. Here we are treated to a pit band accompaniment with the director himself on clarinet. It is a charming set with staircase and mirrors that work efficiently for each of the scenes.
Lake Placid's Grease
Lake Placid High School brings us up to the rockin' '50s with an extremely well choreographed "Grease." Terpsie Toon is responsible for the lively dance numbers and the precision with which the students execute the movements. The energy level is high and the kids look like they are having a ball singing and kicking their heels up. The male lead, Lucky Cerruti, and I go way back. He and my son played brothers in Pendragon Theatre's production of "Bunnicula" some years ago in Saranac Lake. In addition, he and I shared the stage at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts as extended family members in Neil Simon's "Brighton Beach Memoirs." I haven't heard him sing in a long time and his Danny Zuko had me in awe of both his vocal range and control.

For tips on climbing the corporate ladder in the '60s, Saranac Lake High School gives us "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." The students are perfectly cast and well connected to their characters—from the boss's nephew Bud Frump (Sean Orman) to the mailroom clerk who is a quarter of a century man (Garth Olsen) to the boss himself (Dylan Van Cott) who enjoys both golf and knitting.

Together Wherever We Go from Gypsy
I also made it up to Chazy Music Theatre which includes community members of all ages in addition to students. My son is among the pit orchestra for this production directed by Jason Borrie. It is a well put together and tasteful treatment of "Gypsy"—the semi-biographical account of Gypsy Rose Lee--and a delight to watch. The stripper number, "Gotta Have a Gimmick" is a huge crowd pleaser.

I apologize to all the productions I was unable to get to but applaud every one of them.

If you haven't had your fill of live theatre this season, or if musicals aren't your thing, there are at least two more offerings coming up this weekend (March 30 and 31). Westport Central School will be presenting "The Love of Three Oranges," a satirical fairy tale from Italy by Giambuttista Basile and Keene Central School will be serving up Shakespeare's "Macbeth." (Full disclosure, my son, Sam Balzac has the title role of Macbeth.)

        --Kathleen Recchia has been enjoying the arts in the Adirondacks for about 20 years—both as observer and participant (acting, directing, and producing). She also enjoys cross-country skiing, juggling, and hosting visitors to the area at her bed & breakfast in Jay. 

Von Trapp Family from Willsboro's Sound of Music
Scarecrow and Dorothy from Schroon Lake Production
Munchkinland Coroner
The Witch in Twister Scene
Willsboro's Nuns from Sound of Music
Lake Placid's Grease
Together Wherever We Go from Gypsy

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