There are many creative minds that are needed to work together to make a successful musical. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is the next musical on the list for Schreiber High School. Producer and Schreiber chemistry/biology teacher Christine Nelson will once again team up with alumnae Lauren Foster-Holzer and Floryn Glass (class of ’98).
Foster-Holzer is no stranger to Schreiber High School. Not only is she a graduate, she is a current teacher in the district. Foster-Holzer was a theater minor at the University of Albany. Upon entering the Port Washington School District 13 years ago, on a whim, she applied for an opening as an assistant for the theater program at Weber Middle School.
“The rest, I guess, is history,” said Foster-Holzer. “Since then I moved up to Schreiber about eight years ago and started directing musicals here.”
According to Foster-Holzer, the transition from performing to directing was easier than she thought. She takes her past experience as a performer and thinks about the challenges she encountered. As a director, she tries being proactive in helping her cast have a positive experience on stage.
With her close connection to classmate and longtime friend Glass, their passionate commitment to theater is evident in their work. Glass, a choreographer, has many ties in the Port Washington community and teaches several of the cast members at a local dance studio. She has had the opportunity to choreograph many productions all over the country. A Skidmore College graduate, she performs musical theater professionally. Foster-Holzer reached out to her and asked for her help in choreographing her next project.
“She needed a choreographer and asked if I would do it,” said Glass.
Together, these two alums bring the complete package. They have respect for each other as both performers and creative individuals. Their positive energy helps them work well together to solve problems, showing the kids a model of good teamwork.
Nelson is thrilled to have this dynamic duo as part of her team. She saw success last year with the pair running the show Anything Goes, in which both starred in when they were in high school.
“That particular show meant a lot to them to work on together,” said Nelson.
The show is not only a collaboration between the producer, director and choreographer, but the musical director and set directors also play an important role in the success of the overall production. Keeping with the alumni trend, set construction was performed by two of Schreiber’s own: Jack Fishman and Luke Grieco.
There are 40 Schreiber students in the cast as well as 15 stage crew members and 20 in the orchestra pit. The preparation for the musical is intense. The creative team started the process back in July and auditions began in December. There were many decisions to be made during that time such as budget, costumes and set production.
With all the effort and hard work put into bringing this musical to the stage, the cast and crew are hoping for another big turnout of support. Show dates and times are from March 3 to 5 at 7:30 p.m. and March 6 at 2 p.m. in the Schreiber auditorium. For more information, email cnelson@portnet.org.
