The liveliness inside Roberts Theater on Friday, Nov. 21, was already high after the final bows of the Choreographer Showcase, but it skyrocketed the moment students burst through the double doors to hear the moment they’d all been waiting for: finding out what this year’s musical will be. After a long week of trying to guess and receiving handwritten clues. The winter musical was finally unveiled. “On the Town” is a classic Golden Age musical known for its unique charm, comedy, and demanding dance numbers.
The show follows three sailors who spend 24 hours exploring New York City on a whirlwind adventure filled with romance, chaos, and discovery. With its iconic Leonard Bernstein score and full-out ballet and jazz choreography, “On the Town” is a major undertaking for any high school program, something Director of Theater Kyle Reynolds is fully aware of.
“It’s the perfect show.,’ Mr. Reynolds said. “We have the perfect kids for it. I finally feel like we’re at the caliber of dance to do it well, to do it justice.”
For Mr. Reynolds, choosing the winter musical is never just a random choice or an easy decision to make. Each year’s show is picked with the cast he has in mind, and this one struck him instantly.
“When I look at the kids that we have in our program and what the show is trying to accomplish,” Mr. Reynolds said, “I see a really wonderful match.”
Beyond it being the most sensible fit, the spirit of the show itself is what brings Mr. Reynolds the most excitement in getting started with the process.
“It’s a story about searching for love and finding adventure,” Mr. Reynolds said. “It’s about hope. It’s about optimism. It’s about fun. It’s about silliness. It’s about learning about yourself. It’s got all the ingredients for a good musical.”
Aside from the show’s joy and humor, “On the Town” is exceptionally difficult, so much so that there are only a handful of schools that would even dare to take on the challenge. “High schools do not touch this show,” Mr. Reynolds said. “It’s too hard. Leonard Bernstein’s music is no joke; the dancing is very, very intense, as is the set.”
Looking back on past musicals at KO, and especially “Hello Dolly,” it just made his decision clearer than ever when finding the show. “Every time we choose something that seems impossible, we always do it really well,” Mr. Reynolds said. “Our students love a challenge, and they always rise to it.”
Even with months of rehearsal to come and look forward to, there is one moment Mr. Reynolds simply cannot wait for: “This is so corny, but the opening number,” Mr. Reynolds said. “There’s something about it that feels so strong. I can’t wait for everyone to settle where they’re supposed to settle.”
“On the Town” brings together timeless music, vibrant and bold characters, and a new level of choreography that will push the dancers, along with the cast as a whole, to new heights.
As anticipation builds, one thing is certain: this show may be the most challenging the program has ever taken on. “I’m excited to have the cast, and I’m excited to get to work,” Mr. Reynolds said. “We have so much work to do, and I’m excited to get it up to speed.”
