The St. John School of the Arts is inviting the community to welcome the directors of this year’s “Broadway Comes to St. John” set for 5-7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 5, at the Tap Room in Cruz Bay.
General admission performances will be held at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children.
Each year, the School of the Arts encourages the 4th graders from throughout the island to explore their talents and experience a bit of the razzle-dazzle by performing in a Broadway-themed musical review. This year, 36 children from the Julius E. Sprauve School, the Gifft Hill School, the St. John Christian Academy and even one home-schooled youngster are participating in the three-week intensive program.
The children spend two weeks at their schools learning songs and dance routines taught by Broadway professionals. During the third week, they all come together at the St. John School of the Arts to merge their parts, polish their routines, take to the stage and perform for an audience of parents and community members.
Director Donna Drake and choreographer Rhonda Miller first came to St. John to lead youngsters in the program in 2011. This year, they’re joined by musical director Jason Wetzel to produce a show titled “Celebrate Broadway.”
“We hope the parents and 4th graders can come out on Sunday, have some pizza and get to know these wonderful people before they start rehearsals next week,” said Kim Wild, executive director of the St. John School of the Arts. “They give so much to the St. John community.”
The Angel performance of “Celebrate Broadway,” which includes a champagne reception, appetizers and limited free parking, will be held at 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24. Tickets are $75. Tickets to the Angel performance are available online at https://stjohnschoolofthearts.org/broadway-comes-to-st-john/.