Watertown High School Musical Theatre students are currently rehearsing their spring production of LEAP OF FAITH which will be performed on March 27, 28 and 29.
LEAP OF FAITH is a musical based on the 1992 film of the same name which starred Steve Martin, Debra Winger, and Liam Neeson. With music written by Alan Menken (Newsies, Sister Act, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin,The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors) and lyrics by Glen Slater (The Little Mermaid, Sister Act), the musical version was nominated for the Tony Award for best musical in 2012. It tells the story of 'Reverend' Jonas Nightingale, an electrifying performer and con man posing as a faith healer, who is travelling with his ministry. When his bus breaks down in the middle of a small Kansas town, Jonas plans a revival to bilk the citizens of their money. However, the sheriff, a woman named Marla McGowan, is determined to stop him.
This production truly is a LEAP OF FAITH, hope and belief in WHS students and the entire production team. WHS has the distinction of being the first school to introduce this show to the area. The three other high schools in the USA performing this new release are in West Virginia, Illinois and California. The score is fantastic and the story is moving with dramatic roles for the WHS students. The cast will perform music that includes country and gospel, and dance to spirited, high energy numbers that surely will make their audiences RISE UP and LEAP to their feet!
Watertown High School’s principal cast features Chris Varanko as Jonas Nightingale; Christine Manalo as Sheriff Marla McGowan; Kristen VanDerlyn as Jonas' sister and partner in crime, Sam Nightingale; Danielle Fusco as bookkeeper Ida Mae Sturdevant, one of Jonas' followers; Josh Diorio as student-clergyman Isaiah Sturdevant, Ida Mae's son; Hailey Chamberlin as his sister Ornella Sturdevant; and Matt LeBlanc as Marla's disabled and hopeful son Jake McGowan. Rounding out the ensemble are the Angels of Mercy and Citizens of Sweetwater. Performers will be accompanied by the WHS student orchestra.
Advance sale tickets are $10 available at the Watertown Park & Rec Dept. Tickets may also be purchased at WHS. Tickets purchased at the door on the nights of performances will be $12. Performances begin at 7:30 P. M. For further information, contact the music director/conductor at culbertsonky@watertownps.org - Joanne Chenkus, Producer WHS Leap of Faith
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