Sneak
Preview of Grease at
Arab Musical Theater Patrons Gala
T-Birds Perform for Large Group of Arab
Musical Theater Patrons
Click Photo to Enlarge
Article and Photos By:
Dwight Hayes
Arab Today
For the sixth year, Sid
and Jane McDonald of Cherokee Ridge, opened their home
to host a gala for the Patrons of the Arab Musical Theater.
Guests began the evening with a social hour and a full
course dinner and were then entertained by several members
of the cast of the upcoming musical production, Grease.
In addition to the planned performances, guests were treated
to an impromptu gathering of the cast members around the
piano for an unrehearsed preview of many of the songs from
the musical. Anthony Wilson, pianist for the musical
production, provided the music as cast members sang and
danced.
Members of the T-Birds
performed a song and dance routine entitled Greased
Lightning. Soloists, Kylee Parks, Haley Clemons and
Brianna Moore provided a preview of the music and
choreography to be featured in the production.
Grease Characters Hold an Impromptu Sing Along
Click Photo to Enlarge
Mrs.
McDonald said that this was the largest
group to attend a gala since they were
begun. During a time of introductions,
Mrs. McDonald, thanked Wal-Mart for once
again being the largest financial
contributor and stressed the importance of
their participation as well as the community
in providing the necessary funding to
provide a musical theater of this caliber.
She also introduced Senator Hinton Mitchem
who has played an important role in
providing funding through the state
government. Senator Mitchem said that
he had already secured $10,000 for this year
and hoped to provide an additional $10,000
in funding if the budget will allow.
Mrs. McDonald announced that the group has
just received it's "Non-Profit" status from
the IRS, allowing for tax deductible
contributions.
 Kelly
Hawk shared the positive impact that the
Arab Musical Theater organization has had
upon their family and the students at Arab
High School. Her daughter, Sidney
Hawk, is a cast member. Hawk
emphasized the strengths of the program as
it provides an outlet for the musical and
acting talents of the students as well as
prepares them for a possible future in the
arts.
Mr. Brian
Quillin, Fine Arts Instructor at Arab High
School and director of the Arab Musical
Theater spoke of the great talent that Arab
has been blessed with and the great support
of the school system and the community for
the musical theater. Quillin, who said
that he had never taught a class when he
came to Arab High School six years ago, has
produced and directed five other musicals
since that time. Grease will be
his sixth. "I think that Arab is just
a few years away from entering national
competitions with its theater group,"
Quillin said. He went on to say,
"Although we are not quite mature enough to
compete today, a few more years and the
program will gain that maturity. Then
you may have Arab students receiving full
scholarships for music and theater training
and an opening onto Broadway." Quillin
said that his brother who teaches in
Huntsville, is jealous of the talent
available in Arab and the enormous support
of the community.
 Arab
City School Superintendent, John Mullins
spoke briefly, highlighting the new class
schedule changes at the high school and how
reduced funding has impacted the programs.
Mullins said the new class schedule will
allow the school system to continue its wide
variety of programs for students.
Performances of Grease, are scheduled
at 7 p.m. March, 31 and April 1, 2 & 7, 8
and 9 at
the Arab High School Auditorium. All
seats are general admission: Adults
$10.00 in advance and $12.00 at the door.
Children $5.00 in advance and $7.00 at the
door. Tickets are currently available
at AmSouth, Fine Things and Arab High
School. For more information call
931-2684.
Kylee Parks
Click here to view approximately 150
pictures from this event
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