A feisty 'Modern Millie' shines
OHMIGOD you guys! Upper Darby High School totally knows how to put on an amazing show. Their production of Legally Blonde, presented to audiences on March 1, 2014, was an exceptional version of the extremely popular movie-turned-broadway show.
The start of the 1900s was a monumental time for women. Thoroughly Modern Millie follows one of these women as she begins her journey into the workforce and the modern world. Kansas girl Millie Dillmount arrives in the bustling city of New York and quickly realizes city life isn't quite what she thought it would be. With the help of some new friends and a new haircut, Millie becomes the modern working woman she longed to be. Millie's story was brought to life by Conestoga High School this weekend.
Conestoga High School's production of Thoroughly Modern Millie was led by an exceptional cast with great vocal range. The ensemble was energetic and focused as they tapped their way through several dance numbers. Each member effortlessly portrayed busy New Yorkers, partygoers, aspiring actresses, and tap dancing stenographers.
Grace Gosnear was outstanding as determined yet feisty Millie Dillmount. She kept the show lively and showed great talent vocally. Other notable performances included Joey Warner as Mr. Trevor Graydon and Sarah Whelan as Miss Dorothy Brown. Warner brought a comical quality to a driven businessman and continued to bring laughs as his character developed an unrequited love for Miss Dorothy. Whelan played vivacious Dorothy Brown, a rich newcomer eager to experience life like "the other half" in New York.
Kanishka Rao and Peter Brown were hilarious as Ching Ho and Bun Foo, two Chinese immigrants working to bring their mother to America. They impressively delivered their lines in Chinese and, despite their involvement in a kidnapping ring, had the audience rooting for them and their "mammy". In addition, Kylie Johnson showed amazing vocal range as glamorous singer Muzzy Van Hossmere.
The sets complimented the show and each change was well executed as Millie traveled around the city. The cast and crew handled the few problems with the sound system admirably and did not let technical issues detract from the show. The talented Pit Orchestra served as a terrific background to the show. They shined in the Overture and Entr'acte and never missed a cue during the performance.
The cast worked well together and with the orchestra and the backstage crews showed tremendous commitment. This was especially evident in the construction of the sets and the costuming of a large cast in period clothing. Overall, Conestoga High School presented a wonderful performance of Thoroughly Modern Millie.