Guest Blogger: Leanne Marie Laurino

The past two weeks have been nothing but rewarding for Cinderella at UHS! I am writing to you off of a successful opening weekend and could not be more appreciative. Since I have shared with you all last, we have added costumes, lights, sound and held several dress runs with all of the elements! 

Last week, Cinderella at UHS observed two snow days delaying our rehearsal process but allowing us time to individually delve into our material.  Watching videos, reviewing intentions and developing our characters are what will bring our magical performance together. Once the company was reunited, we made up for lost time with our scenic elements. As each stroke of the paint brush is completed, it is apparent in how gorgeous it will truly be. 

Cinderella continues to surprise me with the lessons I learn each and every day. In a musical, the story is the language. Lyrics are a stunning collection of words that advance the plot in a brilliant way. This week, I have dug deep into my lyrics and have fallen in love with its passionate message. I am so intrigued by the depth of this language and its power to share a universal ideal. Everyone goes through a time when they doubt themselves. Everyone has felt like the world is against them. Finding the confidence within you is one of many beautiful themes that this show embodies.

As I reflect on these past two weeks, nothing makes me happier than getting to share more magic with all of you. Last Wednesday, my twin brother, and none other than our Prince Topher was admitted into the hospital. The entire company eagerly sent him love and laughter over the phone but I was unable to access my laptop to recap my eventful week. 

This week, Cinderella at UHS celebrated an annual holiday and our own victory. On Tuesday, after indulging in one too many chocolate kisses, I prepared for my Valentine vocal tech. These rehearsals have been some of my favorite this process! In a brief amount of time, I have overcome a variety of my obstacles in vocal production. Post rehearsal I had a break through realizing how much I have to be proud of. While I receive devoted guidance from my teachers, I know that my personal drive is starting to pay off. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I plan to inch towards it each and every day. Into the evening, my most anticipated staging rehearsal was held! (?)

I am happily writing to you from a much needed snow day at home. Unfortunately, this caused my most anticipated rehearsal to be canceled for today. (No spoilers here!) Being snowed in gave me an opportunity to rest and reflect on my first Act one run of Cinderella this week! As a company, we were able to put together and receive feedback on our performance. This rehearsal makes me look forward to our next run and all my opportunities to improve along the way. 

Opening March 31st, the Union High School Performing Arts Company will be presenting Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. I would like to welcome everyone to a new series on my blog where I share my thoughts on the path to creating magic. Going into my 10th and final UHSPAC production playing Marie / Fairy godmother is already proving itself to be an exciting challenge. As I reflect on my high school theatre career, so much has led me to this moment.

Within the past week, I had the pleasure of meeting award - winning Canadian film and television actress, Emily Hampshire. She came in to speak to my Advanced Musical Theatre Class offering her insight into the film and television industry. Emily shared her story of how she made her dream become a reality. From an early age, she focused on her goals bringing her the success she has today.  Emily's infectious spirit permeated the classroom as 18 eager students hung on her every word. She was so supportive of us, excited to watch our performances and shared her enthusiasm. 

The award - winning Union High School Performing Arts Company has been tirelessly working on our Winter Production of Footloose. Based off the classic 1984 film, the story follows Ren McCormack, an upbeat Chicago teen who moves to the small town of Bomont. He meets some friends along the way that would soon change his life in a way he never thought possible. 

On September 18, 2016, I was afforded the opportunity to attend the NJACT's 43rd Annual Perry Awards. I was extremely honored to be present supporting my twin brother, Joseph Laurino Jr. who was nominated for his role as Patsy in a production of Spamalot with the Chatham Community Players. His appearance in the show was an unexpected surprise that resulted in a comic and memorable performance. Our high school director and choreographer, James Mosser and Jennifer Williams branched out to this community theatre project and somehow knew that Joseph would be the perfect fit. This 16 year old boy took on the role of Patsy, the loyal companion to King Arthur, exuding charisma and a sense of maturity that captured the audience. With a stellar triple - threat performance, he left critics speechless with a smile from ear to ear. 

On June 21st 2016, students of the UHSPAC were afforded a unique opportunity. For our hard work endured throughout our season, our director arranged a Master Class with Eric Ulloa. He is currently in "On Your Feet!" presented at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway. Eric is a member of the ensemble where he has the opportunity to entertain as a variety of characters. He's also an understudy for the lead role of Emilio Estefan. 

After six months of anticipation, the curtain has fallen on The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. William Barfee has taken home the top prize as well as a friend that he will cherish forever. All of the spellers have learned valuable lessons that have resided with them throughout adulthood. As a company we have all grown in this process and value our successes and failures that will only make us stronger.

After months of preparation and devoted class time, the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is equipped for opening. This is the time for us to not only celebrate our achievement, but inspire the 350 spectators we are set to entertain this weekend. This project has instilled in us the power of teamwork and the capability of a group of high school performers. All of our previous training has prepared us to take on our production roles and to communicate the journey of our characters. Every child in this show is a stereotypical representation of students you could find sitting in your elementary school class. 

This week, the UHSPAC prepares to step into the spotlight. The Tony Award winning Papermill Playhouse hosts the Rising Star Awards celebrating excellence in High School Theatre. All across the state of New Jersey, performing arts programs compete for a bevy of honors including the coveted "Best Overall Production of a Musical." Union High School has participated in nine consecutive ceremonies, all nominated for the main prize. The UHSPAC has taken home the gold twice; in 2010 for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream coat as well as 2015 for Sophisticated Ladies. This toe tapping extravaganza currently holds the record for the most awards won in a single night by one school. Our 2016 production of Mary Poppins has been nominated for 12 Rising Stars and will be performing the number "Step in Time" as part of the festivities. This year, our department is being included in a documentary for PBS, recording our passage to the Rising Star Awards. For the past month, the sweeps have been rehearsing for the 21st annual journey over the rooftops. Tune in to Hometown TV on June 7th to experience the excitement with us! 

Some of the most iconic musicals are inspired by American Heroes.

Show teasers allow the opportunity to publicize a production as well as create anticipation for opening night!

High Schoolers hold a wide range of responsibilities.

Standardized tests already put unnecessary stress on students.