When talented teenagers take the stage at Statesboro High for a benefit performance for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, it will be a "win-win" show of the season. The dessert/theater will take place on Saturday, Oct. 8, with dessert served in the high school cafeteria at 6:30 p.m. and the "Broadway in the Boro" musical performance at 7.
An array of sweets prepared by SHS Culinary Arts teacher Cindy Hart will set the mood for the program of Broadway favorites that follow. Musical selections include "It's A Hard Knock Life" from "Annie," "If I Loved You" from "Carousel," and a unique duet of "Get Happy" and "Happy Days Are Here Again" as performed by Judy Garland and Barbara Streisand.
Eddie Frazier, director of the SHS drama troupe, is excited about the variety of the numbers. A tap dance set to "Anything Goes" and a "real surprise number you won't want to miss" will be featured, he said.
Students selected for the show have gone through auditions and screenings by Frazier and SHS choral director Lisa Muldrew.
"They choose a Broadway song they like or we make suggestions, but Lisa and I have the final word on the cast," he said.
SHS teacher Paige Sutcliff is the volunteer pianist for the group.
Costume designer and wardrobe mistress Amy Kitching has worked with the Fine Arts Department for several years, ever since her daughter Annelise was a member.
"Amy is a masterful costumer," Frazier said. "She can make the best something out of nothing!"
Kitchens, whose daughter is now in college, is still designing and sewing costumes for the troupe. Scott Marchbanks of Frills and Fancies has also helped by donating numerous dresses for use in the show.
The partnership between Statesboro and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society came about when Blair Downs, a member of the troupe and the daughter of LLS team member Judi Downs, suggested it to her mother.
"Our drama troupe can put on a great show for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It seemed a natural fit," she said.
The two groups did their first show together in 2010 and are expanding it this year.
All proceeds from the show will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for research for patients battling blood cancers such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a disease for which Statesboro resident and Georgia Southern registrar Mike Deal is currently undergoing treatment at Duke University in Durham, N.C. As many as 97 known persons are victims of related diseases locally.
Tickets for the show are $10 for adults and $5 for students and children. To purchase a ticket, contact Eddie Frazier (912) 690-3025, Judi Downs (912) 601-1256 or "Eddie" Olliff at (912) 764-2147.
Tickets for dessert must be purchased in advance. Tickets for the show only may be purchased at the door the night of the show.