On Friday, Feb. 27, and Saturday, Feb. 28, Kingswood Oxford’s theater department transported audiences to the lively streets of 1940s New York City with their energetic and technically dazzling production of “On the Town.” These performances showcased not only the talents and dedication of the cast but also the department’s willingness to embrace one of the most challenging musicals in Broadway history.
The musical, which originally premiered on Broadway in 1944 at the Adelphi Theatre, features a score by Leonard Bernstein with book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Its groundbreaking blend of classical ballet, jazz, and Broadway styles revolutionized musical theater at the time, pushing the boundaries of what could be achieved on stage.
Set against the backdrop of New York City during World War II, “On the Town” follows the story of three sailors on their 24-hour shore leave as they race against time in search of adventure, connection, and love. The show’s enduring appeal was cemented by its 1949 film adaptation starring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra, and its 2014 Broadway revival earned four Tony nominations, including Best Revival of a Musical. Its complex harmonies, demanding choreography, and fast-paced staging make it one of the most technically challenging productions in the Broadway canon, an ambitious feat for any high school or college theater program.
This year, Director of Theater Kyle Reynolds believed it was the perfect time to take on such a demanding show. “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.” The decision reflected the growth and readiness of the cast, and overall eagerness to rise to the challenge.
Performing “On the Town” requires more than just stellar vocals; it demands a wide emotional range, stamina, and nuanced character development. Each of the three sailors brought their own personalities and challenges to the stage, transforming the story into a vibrant tapestry of humor, longing, and discovery.
Senior Leo Kollen, portraying Gabey, approached his role with sincerity and emotional depth. Unlike the other sailors, Gabey is grounded and genuinely earnest, leading with his heart. “Gabey starts off as someone who’s a little unsure of himself,” Leo said. “As the story progresses, he realizes there’s a place for him and his big city, and that confidence really shines through his singing and dancing. The moment he discovers that, it’s like he’s finally found his footing.”
One of the most demanding moments for Leo was the intense six-minute ballet duet with Ivy Smith, a number that calls for technical precision, trust, and strength. Although this was one of the most nerve-racking moments for Leo, it was also one of the best parts of the show for him. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime dancing experience for me,” Leo said.
Junior Matthew Habeeb, who played Ozzie, faced his own unique challenges. Ozzie is known for being impulsive, unpredictable, and full of bravado. However, Ozzie is open to change. “Ozzie is very different in the beginning of the show than he is at the end when he’s found his girl,” Matt said. The change and evolution from reckless sailor to someone capable of real connection required balancing bold comedic energy with real, genuine emotional depth.
Matt also shared that portraying Ozzie was about balancing the character’s wild energy with genuine vulnerability, a task that pushed his acting and dancing skills. “He’s an animal,” Matt said. “He’s crazy.” Even though he enjoys being bold on stage, he also enjoys the softer moments and how those are just as important.
Senior Riley Mapp, who played Chip, contrasts Ozzie’s personality, as he is very organized and systematic. Riley describes the character as someone who is uplifting. “He’s a funny, charismatic guy, and I just love playing him every time,” Riley said. Riley relates to the character and thinks they both reflect some of the same traits, so finding out he got the part, he mentions remarking that he was over the moon.
This musical season, numerous Broadway guests came in to work with the cast. This featured Alicia Umphress, who played Hildy in the revival, Clyde Alves, who performed Ozzie, Tony Yazbek, who played the role of Gabey, and lastly Chip Abbott, who was a dance captain and a swing for just about every role in the show, who had to learn a total of 22 tracks.
Bringing actors like these to KO is an overall challenge but also so rewarding for Mr. Reynolds. “It is not easy, but it is worth it, because watching the kids’ faces when the person that you’ve been watching on YouTube for months walks in the door,” Mr. Reynolds said. “The person that you’ve been trying to emulate, the person that has inspired you, the person who has been your guidebook for the last few months, walks in the door, it is an experience like no other.”
Aside from working with the leads, Mr. Abbott also took his time to work and focus on the featured dancers and ensemble. He spent nearly two hours of his time working on the opening dance number, “New York, New York.” He mainly focused on the 30 seconds where everyone comes on stage for the big dance break.
The tech crew in the show also plays a major role in the musical and has a very difficult task with some of the extravagant set pieces needed for the show. From the doors in “Carnegie Hall” to the ship the sailors come in on, it was no easy task. To coordinate lighting and sound, their work was crucial to bringing the show’s vibrant world to life.
In addition to tech working on the sets, others had the chance to step in during tech week. Members of the cast who weren’t busy, or other students who could come in and offer a helping hand, were of great help in the final touches of the sets.
Beyond the joy and all the fun in the show, there is a much deeper meaning that is often overlooked, and one that each cast member seems to interpret differently. “The lesson of the show is enjoy,” Molly said. “Enjoy what time you have left with your loved ones.” With only 24 hours to experience the city, this fleeting time is their only chance to find love. Beneath the vibrant music and comedy, the story reflects a harsher, unmentioned truth: the fear of losing the people you care about most to war.
A fan-favorite from the crowd especailly during the school show, was senior Teauge Shamleffer, who played Madame Dilly as a drag role. Whether it’s eating a banana live on stage, screaming at Ivy Smith for her “Vocalese,” or dragging a microphone across the stage while singing, the performance was an incredible comedic performance.
Even with “On the Town” being such a difficult and complex show, it’s without a doubt that KO students handled it remarkably well. Mr. Reynolds also agrees and doesn’t think it could have gone better than it did. “Something that feels impossible suddenly becomes possible.” Mr. Reynolds said.
