Everyone who has witnessed a theater production at KO is aware of the theater department’s prestigious reputation and can see that the various awards and titles won by said department are well-deserved. As the theater department enters into arguably their most challenging and productive period, the months leading up to the winter musical, we take a look into just how professional KO’s theater department is.
In preparation for this year’s production of “9 to 5,” yet another Broadway star has arrived on campus to work with students on original choreography brought directly from one of Broadway’s most renowned choreographers: Andy Blankenbuehler, who is also the choreographer of “Hamilton” and “In the Heights” in addition to “9 to 5.” Working with original cast member Michael Mindlin, who learned from Andy, was a highlight for many students this year as they worked not from 9 to 5, but rather from 10 to 6 on an icy Saturday morning to perfect their opening number.
On Saturday, Jan. 8, the full cast gathered to learn the original choreography of the opening number with Michael. An accomplished Broadway artist, Michael was an amazing choice to work with KO students.
“In 2005, I made my Broadway debut in ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,’” Michael said. “After that show closed, I spent a couple of years doing shows around the country at several regional theaters.” Since then, he has performed in several musicals including “9 to 5,” “Mamma Mia,” “Bring It On,” and “Aladdin.”
Extremely accomplished and a prominent member of several Broadway productions, Michael spoke to how “9 to 5” affected him particularly compared to other shows he has been involved in. “Every show I worked on has a special place in my heart, but ‘9 to 5’ sticks out to me,” he said. “I was surrounded by such a talented and seasoned group of individuals. I feel like I learned so much by observing such wonderful talent that was all around in that company.”
Students who attended this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with a professional Broadway star were greatly appreciative. When speaking about the experience, junior Johnny Kung gave a description of what this day of preparation entailed.
“For the first few hours, Michael just kind of taught us how to move and how to dance for an opening number,” Johnny said. The cast then moved to the stage, where the performance will take place at the end of February.
“Michael had a ton of pages of blocking,” Johnny said. “We choreographed the entire opening number. Everyone knows now where they have to be, what they have to do, and when they have to be there.”
Prior productions by award-winning theater director Kyle Reynolds have won several awards, making the KO theatre department one of the best in the state. The question for outsiders that constantly arises is: How does Mr. Reynolds have these connections? The answer: Everyone knows everyone on Broadway. “I don’t know of any other school bringing in people from the original cast to teach Broadway choreography,” Mr. Reynolds said, “We’re known for it now.”
Mr. Mindlin is one of many accomplished Broadway actors who has worked with KO students, and he is definitely not the last. Be sure to come see this year’s production of “9 to 5,” performed with original Broadway choreography!
