Feature: Douglas Anderson's SPRING MUSICAL THEATRE SHOWCASE at the DuBow Theatre

With tear stained cheeks, the 2017 graduating Musical Theatre class at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts took their final bows in the DuBow Theatre last Thursday night at the Spring Musical Theatre Showcase, directed by David Loudermilk. In his first year at Douglas Anderson, Loudermilk directed a phenomenal performance of PARADE in the fall, which was met with high acclaim and appreciation, and set the tone for a diverse and compassionate season.

The showcase ran two evenings only, to a warm, receptive audience. I attended the first evening, and thoroughly enjoyed this performance in two acts, as there were minimal technical difficulties quickly counteracted by the committed and talented cast of juniors and seniors.

Meticulous planning went into this smorgasbord of a showcase. Opening with a stellar number from KINKY BOOTS, the audience was immediately dazzled by sparkly red boots and fun, full-out choreography. Students performed predominately modern musical numbers, some as recent as shows currently in their first Broadway run. Kayla Le sent Mr. Loudermilk on a hunt for music to the storytelling "Higher" from ALLEGIANCE, a 2015 Broadway production to which sheet music is still unavailable. Amazingly, Loudermilk obtained special permission from ALLEGIANCE's composer/lyricist Jay Kuo to perform the number.

Outstanding choices by juniors Malik Bilbrew, Summergrace Grable, Erin Elkins, and Kiley Durrence brought strong moments and a higher level of connection between actors at a high school level than I have seen in some time. I look forward to their upcoming, final year at Douglas Anderson, and their continued growth, as well as that of the entire rising senior class.

Graduating senior Josh Johnson delivered a smooth as butter rendition of Jason Robert Brown's "King of the World" from SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, and bless it if pianist and musical director Curtis Powell didn't take care of business at the keys! Gena Heylock and Logan Smith held the evening's two fullest theatrical moments. Gena was captivating and fearless, wailing "You've Got Possibilities" from IT'S A BIRD! IT'S A PLANE! IT'S SUPERMAN!. Florida State's BFA Music Theatre program will be lucky to have her this coming fall. You can read more about Gena here. Logan left the audience hushed with his encapsulating performance of "For Forever" from this year's 9 time Tony nominated DEAR EVAN HANSEN. He is headed to Shenandoah University in the fall, but you can catch him in Theatre Jacksonville's upcoming production of THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, opening June 9th. Tickets are available here.

In his first year at Douglas Anderson, David Loudermilk is designing a new image for the Musical Theatre department. In only its fifth year as an official artistic track, the Musical Theatre department continues to adjust and stunningly stretch into its own. These incredible students spend a class period focused on singing and acting, and another period focused on dance, as well as being exposed to many audition and production opportunities at school and in the city. In an age where diversity is increasingly scrutinized by some and fiercely celebrated by others, this school is doing something special: these students are learning who they are and what that means through expressive art. It's a privilege to experience, and an honor to encourage. Find out more about how you can support this school and its students, visit their webpage here. Hats off to the class of 2017...Day turns to day and you're just getting started!