Performing arts bloom at Cape Henlopen High School
April blossomed with music, dance and drama at Cape Henlopen High School, from "Romeo and Juliet" April 16 to a daytime baroque concert April 19 to opening night of the Cape Henlopen High School theatre program’s production of “A Chorus Line” later that evening.
Opening the weeklong arts celebration was "Romeo & Juliet 3D: Drama, Duet, Dance," a collaboration among the Delaware Shakespeare Festival, OperaDelaware and First State Ballet Theatre. The April 16 Lewes performance was funded by the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, which has as its mission providing unique arts experiences to eastern Sussex County residents and visitors. Ninth- and 10th-grade students at Cape Henlopen High School attended.
"Romeo & Juliet 3D: Drama, Duet, Dance" began with a dramatic performance of the famous balcony scene performed by actors from the Delaware Shakespeare Festival. After a brief commentary by Dr. Jay Halio, professor emeritus of the University of Delaware, the students watched French composer Charles Gounod’s operatic interpretation of the same famous scene, performed by OperaDelaware singers and accompanied by Jeffery Miller, music director of OperaDelaware. The final iteration of the balcony scene was from Sergei Prokofiev’s ballet production of "Romeo and Juliet," performed by First State Ballet Theatre dancers, accompanied by the harp/flute duet SPARX.
The internationally known Rebel Baroque Ensemble from Peekskill, N.Y., presented a portion of its Saturday evening concert in Lewes to Cape students April 19 in two interactive performances of music from the 17th and 18th centuries. Music students from Cape Henlopen High School and students from both Mariner and Beacon middle schools, the Lighthouse Christian School and Delaware Music School saw this production, partially funded by the Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation.
"A Chorus Line," with music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and book by James Kirkwood and Nicolas Dante, was performed April 19 by students of the Cape Henlopen Theatre Arts Academy. The story centers on a group of 17 dancers auditioning for spots on a chorus line for an upcoming show.
"A Chorus Line" continues Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 28, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students, senior citizens, and Cape Henlopen High School staff, and $15 for adults. They will be available at the door.
