Show Synopsis - Anastasia

Act One

In 1927, Gleb Vaganov, a general for the Bolsheviks, who now control Russia, announces to the gloomy Russians that the now-poor Saint Petersburg has been renamed Leningrad, and he promises a bright and peaceful future. The Russians protest this change, but are then uplifted by a rumor that Anastasia may have survived and escaped the royal family's execution. Two wanted con men, the handsome young Dmitry and an ex-member of the Imperial Court, Vlad Popov, hear the rumors and brainstorm "the biggest con in history": they will groom a naive girl to become Anastasia in order to extract money from the Dowager Empress ("A Rumor in St. Petersburg").

Dmitri and Vlad hold unsuccessful auditions for the scheme at the theater in the abandoned Yusupov Palace. Just as they are about to give up hope of finding a suitable impostor, a street sweeper named Anya walks in to ask Dmitry about paperwork to get tickets for Paris. Dmitry and Vlad become fascinated as Anya explains that she doesn't remember who she is due to her amnesia and has very few memories of her past ("In My Dreams"). Amazed by her memory loss and resemblance to Anastasia, they select Anya as their impostor.

At the capital, government workers sort through rumors and reports for any that require further action. Three bitter actresses report Anya, Dmitry, and Vlad's plot to Gleb, but he dismisses them and files a case for Anya ("The Rumors Never End"). Back at the palace, Vlad and Dmitry groom a feisty Anya to become Anastasia through history, dining, and dancing lessons ("Learn to Do It").

Gleb orders Anya's arrest, and she is brought to his office in the Nevsky Prospect. The general interrogates the girl and warns her about the consequences of pretending to be Anastasia. He tries to convince her that Anastasia is really dead. He reveals that his father was one of the soldiers who shot the Romanovs and, as a boy, Gleb heard the gunshots and the family's screams. However, Gleb notices that Anya has the "Romanov eyes" and realizes that Anya could indeed be Anastasia. As he harbors feelings for her, he lets her off with a warning ("The Neva Flows").

Anya reunites with Dmitry and they are teased and attacked by his old con partners, whom they must fight off ("The Neva Flows Reprise"). Impressed by Anya's fighting skills, Dmitry opens up to her for the first time and tells her about his childhood in the streets of St. Petersburg and how he had to take care of himself as an orphan ("My Petersburg"). Dmitry begins to trust her enough to show her a music box that he's failed to open, unaware it is the memento that it had been given to Anastasia by the Dowager Empress. Anya easily winds and opens the box and begins to vaguely remember her past, including an imperial ball many years earlier ("Once Upon a December"). After this episode, Anya is more resolute than ever in her desire to get to Paris, but Dmitry tells her that they don't have enough money to buy the train tickets. Then she gives him her most prized possession, a diamond that was found sewn to her dress when she was discovered years earlier ("A Secret She Kept").

At the train station, Count Ipolitov recognizes Anya as Anastasia and kisses her hand. As they board the train to Paris, Count Ipolitov leads everyone in a prayer of farewell to Russia ("Stay, I Pray You"). During the train ride, Anya, Dmitry, and Vlad reflect on what they hope to accomplish in Paris: Anya hoping to discover that she is actually Anastasia, Dmitry's desire for the money, and Vlad hoping to win back Countess Lily Malevsky-Malevitch ("Sophie" in the 1997 animated film), the Dowager Empress's lady-in-waiting with whom he had an affair ("We'll Go From There"). Count Ipolitov is fatally shot by the police for illegally boarding the train. The police officers then go after Anya, Dmitry, and Vlad since they are wanted criminals in Russia, but they all jump off the train, narrowly avoiding capture.

As they travel across Russia by foot, Gleb receives orders to follow Anya and kill her if she is the real Anastasia ("Traveling Sequence"). Gleb agrees to the task, but he realizes that he is in love with Anya and questions his heart ("Still"). Anya, Vlad, and Dmitry finally arrive in France, and as they travel to Paris, Anya summons the courage to continue on with the hope that she will finally discover who she is ("Journey to the Past").

Act Two

Anya, Vlad, and Dmitry arrive in Paris and are swept up by the sights and sounds of the city ("Paris Holds the Key (to Your Heart)"). When Vlad and Dmitry go off on their own, Anya visits the Pont Alexandre III bridge, named after Anastasia's grandfather, and she feels a strong connection to it ("Crossing a Bridge").

Now a bitter, elderly woman, Dowager Empress Marie Feodorovna reads the letters from various women claiming to be Anastasia and, heartbroken, gives up hope of finding Anastasia ("Close the Door"). As Gleb arrives in Paris, Lily parties at the Neva Club, where rich and noble Russians exiles reminisce about the old Russia ("Land of Yesterday"). Lily is reunited with Vlad, with whom she is angry for stealing her jewelry when they were lovers. The two rekindle their scandalous romance and Vlad convinces her to let Anya meet the Dowager Empress at the ballet the next week ("The Countess and the Common Man"). However, Vlad accidentally drops the ballet tickets and Gleb, overhearing their plans, picks up their tickets ("Land of Yesterday Reprise").

At the hotel, Anya has a nightmare about the execution of the Romanovs ("A Nightmare"). Dmitry comforts her and recounts a story of how he bowed to Anastasia at a parade as a young boy. Anya vividly remembers this, and the two realize that Anya is indeed the Grand Duchess Anastasia ("In a Crowd of Thousands").

At the ballet, Vlad suspects that Anya and Dmitry are falling in love and is heartbroken on their behalf that the two can never be together ("Meant to Be"). During the performance of Swan Lake, Anya sees the Dowager Empress and remembers her. The Dowager Empress also sees Anya and recognizes her, but clings to denial. Dmitry and Gleb (who is conflicted about whether or not to shoot Anya) reflect on their romantic feelings ("Quartet at the Ballet").

After the ballet, Lily also recognizes Anya as Anastasia and immediately takes her to the Dowager Empress. Dmitry is anxious about the meeting and realizes that he is in love with Anya, but knows he must let her go to her family ("Everything to Win"). Anya leaves the meeting enraged, having learned from the Dowager Empress that Vlad and Dmitry intended to use her in their scheme for money. As she storms off, Dmitry waits for the Dowager Empress. Marie coldly dismisses him, but Dmitry disrespectfully stops her. He begs her to see Anya, but she refuses again.

Back at the hotel, Anya begins to pack, but she is interrupted by the Dowager Empress who, impressed by Dmitry's courage, has come to give her an opportunity. Anya is shocked by the Dowager Empress's cruelty, asserting that she isn't the nana that Anya remembered. The Dowager Empress angrily questions Anya about her past and the Romanov family, but Anya compels her to reflect on the person she has become over last two decades. Anya suddenly remembers the night that the Dowager Empress left her for Paris. When Anya produces the music box and sings the lullaby, the Dowager Empress finally realizes that Anya really is Anastasia and the two embrace, now reunited after twenty years ("Once Upon a December Reprise").

A press conference is held the next morning, where Vlad and Lily try to fend off the hungry reporters ("The Press Conference"). Before appearing in public, the Dowager Empress tells Anya that Dmitry did not take the reward after all and reveals her respect for him. Anya expresses misgivings about her future life as a princess and the Dowager Empress insists that no matter what she chooses, they'll always be together. Anya runs off to think; she realizes that she is in love with Dmitry, and decides that she must go after him ("Everything to Win Reprise"). As she turns to leave, Anya sees that Gleb has slipped in and locked them in the room. She realizes why he is there and Gleb says that he must kill her to complete his father's mission. Anya now clearly remembers the day her family was killed and, without fear, taunts him to kill her so that she can be with her family. Overcome with emotion and not willing to bear the shame of his father, Gleb is unable to kill Anya ("Still/The Neva Flows Reprise"). Anya comforts Gleb and they call a truce.

Vlad, Lily, and the palace staff search for Anya and the Dowager Empress is joyful, knowing that Anya is now where she belongs. She and Gleb announce to their people that the rumors of Anastasia will now cease; the reward for finding her will be donated to charity. Anya discovers Dmitry at Pont Alexandre III, where they embrace. The couple leaves Paris as the spirits of the Romanovs celebrate the life that Anya and Dmitry will have together ("Finale").

Phil Johnson

Mr. Johnson joined the Brighton Musical Theater Creative Team in 2012. He has conducted the orchestra and prepared the chorus for each of the past 11 shows. He is proud to share recognition for “Excellence in Music Direction” with the 2023 BMT team for “Guys and Dolls”, presented by the Sutton Foster Ovation Awards. Phil has conducted Brighton High School choirs at Michigan Youth Arts Festival/All State Festival multiple times. He is a 3-time State Honors Choir Director.  Mr. Johnson received nominations for the 2019 and 2022 Teacher of the Year through the Michigan School Vocal Music Association. He sings baritone with the professional a Cappella group, TBD a Cappella, whose debut album “The Answer’s 42” won the 2021 Contemporary a Cappella Recording Award for “Best Post-Collegiate Album”. He and his wife, Dianne, have three children; Ethan, Maxwell and Adeline who enjoy traveling in their RV. The children will begin auditioning for the Brighton Musical casts in 2025, 2028, and 2031 respectively! Mr. Johnson would like to thank the cast, crew, orchestra, parent volunteers, and creative team for being “All In This Together”!

Michelle Holowicki

Michelle has been privileged to teach Social Studies at BHS since 2006 - the year of High School Musical’s movie debut! Mrs. Holowicki has a passion for U.S. history and government, and for musicals and dancing. She co-directed and choreographed twelve Brighton Musical productions, including Footloose, Bye Bye Birdie, Legally Blonde, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Grease, Nice Work If You Can Get It, White Christmas, Honeymoon in Vegas, Pippin, Newsies, Cinderella and the Broadway Musical Revue. Being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 took her away from the theater for the past two years to focus on her health, but she is thrilled and thankful to be cancer-free and back to the stage this year!  She and her husband Josh are the proud parents of their daughter Ellery (4), and son Jeremiah (2), who have also taken a liking to this High School Musical and others!  She is grateful to God for infinite blessings and answers to prayer, her imaginative husband Josh for his contributions to the program, and the Creative Team for going above and beyond! She would like to congratulate the cast, crew and all production teams for their hard work, vision, energy and expertise! It’s been a long-time vision to bring High School Musical to the BCPA stage!  So thankful for this dream-team.  What team?!?!  WILDCATS!

Josh Holowicki

Josh’s passion for theater has brought him to the BCPA for his thirteenth show with the Brighton High School Musical Theater Program. He has over 20 years of lighting and scenic design experience, has designed numerous lighting systems, and has learned from or worked directly with top lighting designers, including Tony Award winner Ken Billington. Josh owns E2i Design, a lighting, audio, and video design firm. Josh also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Brighton Center for Performing Arts. He would like to thank all of the hard working volunteer parents who have made this show a success; without you we could not pull this off. He would also like to thank the cast and student production team members for their tireless dedication to excellence; it’s never easy but always worth it! Additionally, he would like to thank his fellow Creative Team members for their unbelievable investment of time, talent, and energy to bring something unique and special to the BCPA stage! Lastly, and most importantly, he would like to give a BIG shout out to his wife Michelle whose commitment to this program is unlike anything he has ever seen in professional theater.

Kristine Stuenkel

Kristine has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Western Michigan University. She has been working in theater for over 15 years. She has designed the costumes for Brighton High School’s Cinderella, Newsies, Pippin, Robin Hood, Honeymoon in Vegas, White Christmas, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Grease, Beauty and the Beast, Alice in Wonderland, Wizard of Oz and Guys and Dolls. Other credits include The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan and Seussical for Encore Youth Theater; Hunchback of Notre Dame, Oklahoma!, Clue and Sherlock Holmes for Hartland High School. Kristine has been acting as producer for Brighton Musical since 2021. She has also co-directed BHS Dramatic Arts the past three years alongside her dear friend Sonja Marquis, producing Mutually Assured Destruction, Peter and The Starcatcher and Radium Girls. Special thanks to her creative team friends who have encouraged her when she felt pushed out of her comfort zone. She is extremely thankful for their obvious talents but even more so for their kind and supportive hearts and an environment that fosters not only creativity but growth and challenge. She is also grateful for the gift of mentoring the students who keep her heart full and her mind open. It truly is a gift to see them fly!

Sonja Marquis

Sonja Marquis is a professional actor, director and sound designer from Brighton. She has worked with numerous theaters throughout southeastern Michigan, including Tipping Point Theatre, Purple Rose Theatre Company, The Dio, Flint Repertory Theatre, Williamston Theatre, Encore Musical Theatre Company, Detroit Public Theatre, and Detroit’s Music Hall. Sonja is honored to have received several awards and nominations for her work, including Wilde Award wins for her portrayals of Rosie (Mamma Mia) and Louise (Always…Patsy Cline) at The Encore Musical Theatre Company, and Betty (The Great American Trailer Park Musical) at The Dio. Upcoming projects include playing Sally Ben in What Springs Forth this summer at The Purple Rose Theatre Company. She is currently a Lecturer with Oakland University’s Department of Theatre and has worked with young artists of all ages as a theater instructor, playwright, mentor, and director. In 2022, she partnered with Kristine Stuenkel to direct BHS Dramatic Arts productions, and she has been with Brighton Musical since the fall of 2019. Sonja loves being part of the Creative Team, is grateful for the program’s incredible volunteers, and adores these students. She hopes the cast's high school theater experiences inspire them to continue to create, explore, and support the arts!

Bella Rabold

Bella is a Brighton Musical alumni. With six years of competitive dance and four years of musical theater under her belt, she is elated to have the opportunity to help choreograph this show. Bella was on stage for multiple productions during her high school career, including Newsies and Cinderella. She began working behind the scenes on The Wizard of Oz as assistant choreographer. She went on to choreograph Guys and Dolls last year. Bella is currently working towards a degree in Secondary Education with a focus in English and a minor in Psychology at Eastern Michigan University. She would like to thank her fellow directors for the opportunity to be a part of this production, and for being such a creative, collaborative team!

Show Synopsis - Guys and Dolls

Act I

A pantomime of never-ceasing activities depicts the hustle and bustle of New York City ("Runyonland"). Three small-time gamblers, Nicely-Nicely Johnson, Benny Southstreet, and Rusty Charlie, argue over which horse will win a big race ("Fugue for Tinhorns"). The band members of the Save-a-Soul Mission, led by the pious and beautiful Sergeant Sarah Brown, call for sinners to "Follow the Fold" and repent. Nicely and Benny's employer, Nathan Detroit, runs an illegal floating crap game. Due to local policeman Lt. Brannigan's strong-armed presence, he has found only one likely spot to hold the game: the "Biltmore garage". Its owner, Joey Biltmore, requires a $1,000 security deposit, and Nathan is broke ("The Oldest Established"). Nathan hopes to win a $1,000 bet against Sky Masterson, a gambler willing to bet on virtually anything. Nathan proposes a bet he believes he cannot lose: Sky must take a woman of Nathan's choice to dinner in Havana, Cuba. Sky agrees, and Nathan chooses Sarah Brown.

At the mission, Sky attempts to make a deal with Sarah; offering her "one dozen genuine sinners" in exchange for the date in Havana. Sarah refuses, and they argue over whom they will fall in love with ("I'll Know"). Sky kisses Sarah, and she slaps him. Nathan goes to watch his fiancée of 14 years, Adelaide, perform her nightclub act (“A Bushel and a Peck”). After her show, she asks him to marry her once again, telling him that she has been sending her mother letters for twelve years claiming that they have been married with five children. She finds out that Nathan is still running the crap game. After kicking him out, she reads a medical book telling her that her long-running cold may be due to Nathan's refusal to marry her ("Adelaide's Lament").

The next day, Nicely and Benny watch as Sky pursues Sarah, and Nathan tries to win back Adelaide's favor. They declare that guys will do anything for the dolls they love ("Guys and Dolls"). General Cartwright, the leader of Save-a-Soul, visits the mission and explains that she will be forced to close the branch unless they succeed in bringing some sinners to the upcoming revival meeting. Sarah, desperate to save the mission, promises the General "one dozen genuine sinners", implicitly accepting Sky's deal. Brannigan discovers a group of gamblers waiting for Nathan's crap game, and to convince him of their innocence, they tell Brannigan their gathering is Nathan's "surprise bachelor party". This satisfies Brannigan, and Nathan resigns himself to eloping with Adelaide. Adelaide goes home to pack, promising to meet him after her show the next afternoon. The Save-A-Soul Mission band passes by, and Nathan sees that Sarah is not in it; he realizes that he lost the bet and faints.

In a Havana nightclub, Sky buys a drink for himself and a "Cuban milkshake" for Sarah. She doesn't realize that the drink contains Bacardi rum, and she gets drunk and kisses Sky ("If I Were a Bell"). Sky realizes that he genuinely cares for Sarah, and he takes her back to New York. They return at around 4:00 a.m., and Sky tells Sarah how much he loves the early morning ("My Time of Day"). They both spontaneously admit that they're in love ("I've Never Been in Love Before"). A siren sounds and gamblers run out of the mission, where Nathan has been holding the crap game. Sarah assumes that Sky took her to Havana so Nathan could run the game in the mission, and she walks out on him.

Act II

The next evening, Adelaide performs her act ("Take Back Your Mink"). Nathan doesn't show up for the elopement because he's still running the crap game. She soon realizes that Nathan has stood her up again ("Adelaide's Second Lament").

Sarah admits to Arvide, her uncle and fellow mission worker, that she does love Sky, but she will not see him again. Arvide expresses his faith in Sky's inherent goodness and urges Sarah to follow her heart ("More I Cannot Wish You"). Sky tells Sarah he intends to deliver the dozen genuine sinners for the revival. She doesn't believe him and walks off, but Arvide subtly encourages him.

Nicely shows Sky to the crap game; now in the sewers ("Crapshooters Dance"). Big Jule, a gambler, has lost a large sum of money and refuses to end the game until he earns it back. Sky arrives and fails to convince the crapshooters to come to the mission. He gives Nathan $1,000 and claims that he lost the bet to protect Sarah. Sky makes a last-minute bet to get the sinners; if he loses, everyone gets $1,000, but if he wins, they go to the mission ("Luck Be a Lady"). He wins the bet. Nathan runs into Adelaide on his way there. She tries to get him to elope, but when he can't, she walks out on him. Nathan professes his love for her ("Sue Me"), then leaves.

Sarah is shocked to see that Sky carried through on his promise. The General asks the gamblers to confess their sins, and while some do, one of them admits the real reason they are even there. The General is thrilled that good can come from evil. Attempting to appear contrite, Nicely invents a dream that encouraged him to repent, and the gamblers join in with revivalist fervor ("Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat"). Brannigan arrives and threatens to arrest everyone for the crap game in the Mission, but Sarah clears them, saying that none of the gamblers were at the mission the previous night. After Brannigan leaves, Nathan confesses that they held the crap game in the mission. He also confesses to the bet he made with Sky about taking Sarah to Havana. He adds that he won the bet, to Sarah's shock, and she realizes that Sky wanted to protect her reputation and must genuinely care about her.

Sarah and Adelaide run into each other, and they commiserate and then resolve to marry their men anyway and reform them later ("Marry the Man Today"). A few weeks later, Nathan owns a newsstand and has officially closed the crap game. Sky, who is now married to Sarah, works at the mission band and has also stopped gambling. The characters celebrate as Nathan and Adelaide are married ("Guys and Dolls (Finale/Reprise)").

Show Synopsis - Wizard of Oz

Act I

Dorothy Gale, a young girl living on a Kansas farm with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, dreams of escaping her mundane life ("Over The Rainbow"). The family's mean neighbor, Miss Gulch, threatens to impound Dorothy's cherished dog, Toto, so Dorothy and Toto run away. They meet up with kindly Professor Marvel, who subtly convinces Dorothy to return home. Suddenly a cyclone hits, and Dorothy and Toto, seeking shelter in the house, are transported to the Land of Oz.

In Oz, Dorothy meets Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. Apparently, Dorothy's house has landed upon - and fatally stricken - the Wicked Witch of the East. The Munchkins, now freed from the Wicked Witch of the East, celebrate and hail Dorothy as their new heroine ("Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead/Munchkin Musical Sequence"). Suddenly, the Wicked Witch of the West appears, interrupting the celebration and seeking vengeance. Unable to reclaim her sister's shoes, which are now on Dorothy's feet, the Witch vows to return and disappears in a cloud of smoke. Dorothy, seeking a way back home to Kansas, sets off to see the Wizard of Oz ("Follow the Yellow Brick Road").

Along the way, Dorothy meets three new friends, each of whom lacks a crucial characteristic: The Scarecrow ("If I Only Had A Brain") The Tinman ("If I Only Had A Heart") and the Lion ("If I Only Had The Nerve"). Together, the four new companions make their way towards Oz ("We're Off To See The Wizard"). The Witch attempts to sedate the travelers with a poisonous field of poppies, but Glinda reverses the spell with healing snowflakes ("Poppies/Optimistic Voices").

Act II

The travelers, arriving at the Emerald City, are delayed by a stubborn Gatekeeper, but Dorothy's tears convince him to relent and let them in ("Merry Old Land Of Oz"). As the group awaits its audience with the Wizard, the Lion boasts he is "King Of The Forest." Finally, they meet the imposing and irritable Wizard, who demands the broomstick of the Wicked Witch of the West.

The four friends travel deep into the haunted forest. Suddenly, they encounter jitterbugs, who make them dance until they collapse from exhaustion ("The Jitterbug"). The Wicked Witch's flying monkeys swoop down, capturing Dorothy and Toto. At the castle, the Witch vows to take Dorothy's life ("Over The Rainbow" - Reprise). Meanwhile, the Lion, Scarecrow, and Tinman infiltrate the castle disguised as Winkie guards. The foursome and Toto are reunited, but the Wicked Witch interferes, threatening the Scarecrow with fire. Dorothy, dousing the flames with a bucket of water, accidentally strikes the Witch, who smolders and melts into nothing ("Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead - Reprise"). The four friends, triumphant, take the Witch's broom back to the Wizard.

The Wizard remains imperious and imposing, but Toto pulls aside a curtain to reveal a meek and ordinary man speaking into a microphone. The Wizard, revealed to be a "humbug," nonetheless grants each traveler's request, giving the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Lion each a token of his newly-acquired ability. The Wizard offers to take Dorothy back to Kansas in his hot-air balloon, but the balloon accidentally takes off, and Dorothy is left alone and crestfallen. Glinda appears and explains that Dorothy has always had the power to return home. All she has to do is close her eyes, tap her heels together three times, and repeat to herself, "There's no place like home."

Back in Kansas, Dorothy awakens, confused, with a bump on her head. Reunited with all her loved ones, and relieved to learn the storm has left Miss Gulch incapacitated by a broken leg, Dorothy shares the tale of her miraculous journey, celebrating the joy and healing power of home.

Show Synopsis - Cinderella

ACT ONE

 A young woman named Ella lives with her stepmother and stepsisters, who treat her like a servant girl ever since the death of her late father. Because she sits by the fireplace and is dirty from the cinders, they call her "Cinderella". Ella dreams of a better life ("Prologue").

The prince of the kingdom is named Topher (short for Christopher); his parents have died, and he is advised by Lord Chancellor Sebastian. Though an expert at slaying dragons, griffins, gargoyles and giants, he feels uncertain about how he will rule as king when the time comes ("Me, Who Am I?"). Prince Topher and Ella meet as he is on his way to the palace. She offers him a drink of water, and they share a moment before he departs. Ella then speaks with two of her friends: Jean-Michel, an erstwhile revolutionary, and Crazy Marie, a woman who lives at the edge of the forest and gathers what others throw away. Soon arrive Ella's stepmother Madame and stepsisters, the demanding Charlotte and the meek Gabrielle. After they go inside, Ella again reflects on her dreams of a better life ("In My Own Little Corner").

In the palace, Sebastian and his henchman, Lord Pinkleton, persuade the Prince it is time for a Royal Wedding; a big ball will be held to find the bride. Pinkleton goes to the town square to make the announcement and finds Jean-Michel rallying the townsfolk to raise their voices in protest of the government's policies ("The Prince is Giving a Ball" / "Now Is the Time").

Madame's cottage is a whirl of activity as the stepmother and stepsisters prepare for the ball. They leave Ella behind, but Jean-Michel arrives to argue that Prince Topher needs to know more about the people of his kingdom. He teases Ella that she should put on a pretty gown and tell Topher that times are about to change. Crazy Marie jokes with Ella about how life could be better ("In My Own Little Corner" (reprise) / "Fol-De-Rol"). Marie reveals herself to be Ella's Fairy Godmother and transforms a pumpkin and animals into a carriage with a footman and a driver; she turns Ella's rags into a beautiful gown ("Impossible"). She sends Ella to the ball with one caveat – the magic will expire at the stroke of midnight ("It's Possible").

The ball features magnificent dancing ("Gavotte"). Ella enters in her white ballgown, but no one recognizes her. Her kindness and sense of fairness fascinate Prince Topher, and their song becomes a grand waltz ("Ten Minutes Ago" / "Waltz for a Ball"). Too soon, the clock begins to strike midnight. Ella had just enough time to tell the Prince that all is not well in his domain. She races down the stairs and trips, losing a shoe, but she quickly retrieves it and dashes off.

ACT TWO

The Prince is determined to find the mysterious woman who spoke so honestly about the kingdom. The women of the court, led by stepsister Charlotte, ask why the Prince had not chosen any of them to be his love ("Stepsister's Lament"). A wild chase ensues, and the prince and his guards search high and low; they almost catch Ella ("The Pursuit").

Once again dressed in rags, Ella returns to the cottage and remembers how wonderful the Prince was ("He was Tall"). Madame, Charlotte and Gabrielle soon return in state of dejection. Ella tells them what she "imagines" the night at the palace must have been like ("When You're Driving Through the Moonlight"), including dancing with the Prince ("A Lovely Night"). Madame and her daughters and stepdaughter have a moment of shared emotion, for once. Soon, shy Gabrielle and Ella are left alone, and Gabrielle realizes that Ella was the woman at the ball. Gabrielle reveals herself to be not only an ally, but also in love with Jean-Michel, the firebrand. They vow to keep their secrets ("A Lovely Night" (reprise)).

Prince Topher continues his search ("Loneliness of Evening"), gradually realizing that Sebastian had been leading him down the wrong path. Topher decides to hold a second event to find the woman of truth. The night of the banquet arrives, and Gabrielle gives Ella her dress to attend the feast. Jean-Michel arrives at the house and confesses his love to Gabrielle. However, Madame catches them and also sees Ella in Gabrielle's dress. She tears the gown to shreds and kicks Gabrielle and Jean-Michel out of the house, telling them never to return. Madame then takes Charlotte to the banquet. In the nick of time, the Fairy Godmother produces perfect attire and helps Ella build her confidence for another frank talk with the Prince ("There is Music in You").

At the palace, Ella tells the prince how he could be a great king, and he immediately announces an election for Prime Minister between Jean-Michel and Sebastian. Topher is now ready to be a leader and knows the partner he needs in love and life ("Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful"). Suddenly, the clock begins to chime midnight. Ella races down the stairs but pauses and purposely leaves a shoe behind.

The Prince gives all of the women of the kingdom a chance to try on the glass slipper. Everyone is unsuccessful until Ella tries it on, and it fits her foot perfectly. Madame apologizes to Ella for her cruelty, and Ella forgives both her and Charlotte. Gabrielle and Jean-Michel's relationship is approved by Madame, and she welcomes her daughter back into her life. Jean-Michel is elected Prime-Minister, Topher and Ella wed, and they all live happily ever after (The Wedding: "There is Music in You").

Show Synopsis - Newsies

ACT ONE

As Jack Kelly is savoring the last few moments of quiet before the sun rises, he shares with his best friend Crutchie his rooftop view of the city and his dream for a better life out West ("Santa Fe - Prologue"). At dawn, the newsies sing about their life and their work ("Carrying the Banner"), introducing this ramshackle group of young friends. They make their way to the distribution window for the World, where they pick up their daily stacks of papers to sell from Wiesel, who runs the window, and Morris and Oscar Delancey, goons who work for the World. Davey and Les, brothers trying to earn money for their family, meet the newsies and try to learn the ropes. Jack agrees to partner with the boys since Les's young age will help him sell more papers, although Davey is skeptical.

Meanwhile, Joseph Pulitzer, publisher of the World, expresses displeasure at the declining sales of his newspaper and vows to increase profits ("The Bottom Line"), even if it is at the expense of the newsies.

At the end of the day, it's clear that Les is a natural newsie. Before Jack and
the brothers can part ways, a man appears and chases Jack. Davey and Les follow Jack's lead, running through the alleys of New York and finding safety in Medda's Theater. Jack introduces them to Medda Larkin, one of the Bowery's most famous performers. Jack explains that the man chasing them is named Snyder; he runs The Refuge, an orphanage that he keeps in squalid conditions and embezzles from. He's had it out for Jack ever since he escaped. Medda offers her theater as a safe haven, and they stay to watch her perform ("That's Rich").

During Medda's performance, Jack notices Katherine, a bright young reporter he had seen earlier that day. A smitten Jack makes several attempts to flirt with her, but Katherine, quick-witted and ever-professional, cleverly rebuffs him. While the Bowery Beauties perform their routine, Jack resorts to sketching a portrait of Katherine ("I Never Planned on You / Don't Come a-Knockin'"), and leaves it for her to find.

The next day, as the newsies gather at the distribution window, the boys are outraged to learn that Pulitzer has increased their price for newspapers - they can barely afford to eat as it is! Prompted by Davey, the newsies decide to form a union and strike ("The World Will Know").

After a successful first day of striking, newly elected union leader Jack Kelly assigns some kids to spread the word to newsies in other boroughs. Katherine arrives, hoping that the newsies will give her an exclusive for the Sun. Jack tells her to be at the distribution window the next morning; not only will the newsies prevent others from selling papers, but they plan to stop the delivery carts as well. He tells her that they all have a lot riding on her reporting skills, and Katherine gets to work writing her breakout article ("Watch What Happens").

The next day, Jack arrives to find that only a few kids have assembled to strike. He urges Davey to convince the small group not to back down. When scabs arrive to take the newsies' place, Jack asks them to stand in solidarity with all the city's exploited working children. The scabs throw down their papers, just in time for Katherine and her photographer to snap a victorious photo ("Seize the Day"). But soon the newsies engage in a fierce fight with the Delanceys, Wiesel, and the police. Snyder scares Jack away, but not before he watches the Delanceys take down Crutchie and carry him off to The Refuge. Reaching the temporary safety of his rooftop, Jack paces, feeling guilty about leading the kids into danger. He looks out over the city and longs to escape ("Santa Fe").

ACT TWO

Battered and bruised, the newsies lament the previous day's events at Jacobi's Deli. Amid rumors that Jack was captured, several newsies wonder where he is. Katherine arrives with a copy of the story she published in the Sun, complete with a front-page picture of the newsies. Ecstatically, they thank her and celebrate their - and Katherine's - fame ("King of New York"). Meanwhile, Crutchie writes a letter to Jack from The Refuge expressing that he feels no ill will toward Jack and urging the newsies to stick together ("Letter from The Refuge").

Davey, Les, and Katherine find Jack back at Medda's Theater and try to convince him to come back to the fight. Jack refuses, saying that they can't win against a man as powerful as Pulitzer. The three convince Jack that theirs is a fight worth fighting ("Watch What Happens - Reprise"); Jack finally agrees, and the kids plan a rally.

Discovering Katherine's story, Pulitzer furiously resolves to take down Jack. Just then, a cocky Jack arrives to announce the newsies' rally. Pulitzer assures Jack that no paper will cover it - and if it's not in the press, it never happened. He then reveals Katherine, exposing her as his daughter, and Snyder, who emerges from the shadows. Pulitzer offers Jack a choice: get sent to The Refuge or renounce the strike and leave New York with pockets full of cash. The Delanceys escort Jack to the cellar, where an old printing press rests, to ponder his decision ("The Bottom Line - Reprise").

That evening, Brooklyn newsies cross the bridge with Spot Conlon, their leader, to join newsies from every borough at Medda's theater for the rally ("Brooklyn's Here"). Davey gives an inspiring speech, riling up the newsies about their progress. However, Jack appears and tells them to go back to work because they are no match for Pulitzer. Jack accepts his payoff money at the door and exits quickly.

On his rooftop, Jack finds Katherine looking through his drawings of The Refuge's bleak conditions. He snatches them from her and they argue fiercely until she kisses him. Katherine shares her plan to have the newsies distribute an article which quotes Jack on the exploitation of working kids and calls for a citywide strike. Before heading to the old printing press Jack recently discovered, they share their hope in each other ("Something to Believe In").

With the help of Katherine and her well-connected friends, Darcy and Bill, the newsies sneak into Pulitzer's cellar to print their paper ("Once and for All"). The kids distribute the pamphlet all over the city.

Pulitzer's office is flooded with angry calls from every corner of
New York. Having read the Newsies Banner, Pulitzer is furious at the kids' attempt to thwart him. Jack, Davey, and Spot show
up ("Seize the Day - Reprise") to personally deliver the news and say that the kids are willing to make a compromise. Pulitzer refuses to back down until Governor Roosevelt appears with Katherine and Jack's drawings of The Refuge. Alone, Jack and Pulitzer come to an agreement they can both live with - the price increase is reduced by half, and publishers will buy back any unsold papers. The strike is over!

Outside, Jack announces the end of the strike. Crutchie appears amid the jubilation, followed by a handcuffed Snyder. Despite his dreams for Santa Fe, Jack realizes that the newsies are his family and Katherine gives him something to believe in - so he's staying put for now ("Finale Ultimo").

Info & FAQ

Show Rating

“Anastasia” is rated PG. Please use the same discretion you would use for a motion picture.

Audience Age Requirements

Children under the age of 4 will not be admitted.

'Day of' Sales

Online ticket sales close 2 hours before each performance. Once online sales have closed, you can purchase tickets only at the Ticket Box Office ($1 fee at box office) 1.5 hours before the performance. Ticket Box Office is at the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts.

Ticket Purchase Disclaimer

All tickets sales are final. No refunds or exchanges available.

I purchased my tickets online, but I didn’t get any tickets. Where are my tickets?

Print your receipt out and bring it with you. It works just fine for our ushers as your tickets. Our online purveyor, seatyourself.biz, is fabulous, because they insure that you get your tickets with minimal service charges, and they sell our seats efficiently, minimizing our service charges, too, so we get the most money back to support the program and underwrite these amazing shows we get to do!

I purchased tickets for a bunch of friends, and I don’t have tickets to give to them. What should I do?

Go ahead and just make copies of your receipt so that your friends all have them. If they’re your friends, we expect y’all won’t fight over seats, so it’s fine for you to use multiple copies of your receipt to get everyone into the theater.

How long is the show?

The show runs two and a half hours, including a fifteen minute intermission.

Is there accessible seating at the BCPA?

Yes! There is accessible seating. You can choose accessible seats as one of your ticket buying options on our website. Please call Molly Scruggs at (678) 446-5924 and she’ll make sure the usher staff knows how many wheelchair spaces or folding seats you’ll need for accessible seat patrons and their guests.

Is there an elevator at the BCPA?

Yes. We have an elevator to get people to the balcony level. If you need accessible seats, please select them in our ticketing system, so you avoid having to navigate stairs.

I can’t use my tickets. What should I do?

As usual, there are a couple of options. Give them to friends. Give them away to people who might not have a chance to see the show otherwise! Call Molly Scruggs at (678) 446-5924 and let her know and perhaps we can resell them. (Given our usual demand, we sell out a lot, and we always have people hoping for turned back seats.) If you do this, depending on your tax situation, you can probably take a deduction for 80% of the price of the tickets as a donation to the program.

We do not give refunds. There is just no easy way to make that happen. In a limited number of situations, we can exchange your tickets for another performance, but that’s subject to availability and ticket load on our team.

The site says the show I want to attend is sold out.  What does that mean?

If the system says the show is sold out, it means we’ve sold all the available seats for the show, and your chances of getting a ticket are really slim. We do not hold “house seats”. On occasion, we’ll have seats turned back. If there is time, we’ll put those seats back up for sale on the system; if not, you can come to the BCPA before the show or call Molly Scruggs at (678) 446-5924 and she may know whether there is hope. And remember to order earlier next time! We hate disappointing people, but there are only so many seats available, and the fire marshal would get really, rightfully angry with the program (all in the name of our safety, of course) if we sold tickets for seats we don’t have!

Emilia Sawyer

Emi is in her 7th year of teaching at Brighton High School. Depending on the year, Emi can be found working in the special education department or the English department. She finds joy in both. This is Emi's 4th musical at BHS. She began helping with choreography with Newsies and has been in love with the program ever since. Emi and her husband, Derek, recently welcomed their first child. She is a beautiful and sweet baby girl named Allie. Emi would like to thank her family for supporting her through musical show season, even if it means that they miss out on some time with her. She would also like to thank the cast, crew, and directors for being so passionate and motivating.

Show Synopsis - Pippin

ACT ONE

At the rise of the curtain, from the center of glowing rotating hands, appears the face of the Leading Player. She introduces the audience to the world that she inhabits as the bare stage populated by a group of actors becomes visible; they are Players in a theatrical caravan.  One by one, they all come forward and join the Leading Player in welcoming the audience with magic tricks, dance and other elements of spectacle, preparing the audience for the story that they are about to tell ("Magic to Do").
 
The story begins, and the audience learns that the tale concerns a boy named Pippin, who is the firstborn son of Charlemagne.  The story starts when Pippin has returned home from the University of Padua, where he was scholar of the house.  He is a young man who refuses to waste his life in pursuit of only "common things."  He believes there is something much more fulfilling in life ("Corner of the Sky").
 
After four days of being back home, Charlemagne finally visits with Pippin.  Father and son attempt to carry on a meaningful conversation, but it is obvious that Charlemagne has other matters on his mind ("Welcome Home").  The Leading Player introduces Lewis, Pippin's half brother, who is directly behind Pippin in line for the throne, and Lewis' mother, Fastrada.  Lewis is vapid and vain, but Fastrada is intent on winning him the throne.  Charlemagne is not pleased that she has overdrawn her allowance again.  He leaves.
 
Pippin notices that everyone around him is preparing for the campaign against the Visigoths.  He decides that he wants to be a soldier and join the campaign, but his father will not let him join the fight.  Pippin argues that he is next in line for the throne, however, and might be fighting his own war someday.  Charlemagne reluctantly agrees, and Pippin gets a helmet to join his father in battle.  The soldiers begin preparing to fight the Visigoths, but the eager Pippin keeps getting in the way of his father's meticulous war campaign strategies ("War Is a Science").  As plans unravel, Pippin becomes disturbed by the language that Charlemagne uses to talk about the enemy.  Charlemagne insists that the Visigoth king is talking the same way with his men.
 
Then, a drum roll is heard; it is a signal that the time for battle has come.  Pippin and Lewis follow their father onto the battlefield.  A bloody battle is waged, much to Pippin's horror ("Glory").  In the end, Charlemagne and his men win the war.  Declaring victory, the king tells the men to sack and pillage.  Left alone, Pippin walks among the dismembered body pieces.  He eventually realizes that war is a terrible thing and cannot agree to partake in the victory celebrations.  Charlemagne chastises his son for this, but Pippin tells him that he'll have to get used to celebrating without him ("Corner of the Sky – Reprise").
 
The Leading Player enters to reflect on a man who had all of the earthly possessions that he desired, but still felt that there was something missing from his life ("Simple Joys").  Pippin has unexpectedly become this man.
 
We shift to the countryside to find Berthe, Pippin's grandmother, enjoying all of the simple joys in life.  Pippin appears and confesses his confusion and frustration with life.  She advises him to stop thinking and just enjoy life ("No Time at All").
 
Alone again, Pippin realizes that his grandmother is right.  He takes off his shirt and begins to bask in the sun.  Soon after, attractive and seductive women appear and slowly surround him ("With You"). At first, Pippin is enjoying the romanticism, but the mood quickly changes, and the women bombard him.  Pippin is pulled in several directions by these exotic women. Repelled by this, he screams out and demands to be left alone.  The Leading Player comes forward to inform Pippin that his father is now slaughtering those of his own people who choose to speak out against him.  Pippin is disgusted with his father's actions and decides that it is time for the tyrant to be overthrown.
 
As Pippin leaves a secret meeting where plans are made to eliminate the King, Fastrada and Lewis are eavesdropping.  Lewis is shocked, but his mother reminds him that, if Pippin kills Charlemagne or if his father discovers Pippin's plot and has him executed, Lewis is next in line for the throne.  Fastrada tries secretly to expedite this process by telling her husband that Pippin is disloyal and that Lewis loves his father. When this has no impact, she resorts to another plan: Fastrada prepares her husband to go off for his yearly prayer at Arles, and promptly informs Pippin that his father will be praying there.  She does not tell the King that Pippin wishes him harm ("Spread a Little Sunshine").
 
In the Chapel at Arles, Charlemagne is praying.  A disguised Pippin enters and confronts his father about the harm that he has brought to his subjects.  He then takes a knife and strikes him to the ground.  The monks all rise and bow to their new king ("Morning Glow").  Pippin has now become King of the Holy Roman Empire and prepares himself to hear petitions from the many people in his kingdom.  He gives money to the poor, gives land to the peasants and abolishes taxes for everyone.  He also abolishes the army.  Unfortunately, when the Infidel Huns attack, Pippin's kingdom cannot fight back.  Soon, he is forced to revoke all of the promises that he made and, as a result, becomes very unpopular.  Lost and confused, Pippin goes to pray at the body of his dead father.  He asks his father if he can have his knife back, and Charlemagne appears.  He takes the crown from Pippin and leaves.  The Leading Player tells Pippin that it's time for him to think about his life ("Act One Finale").

ACT TWO

Pippin is still agitated and confused, but the Leading Player assures him that things are going exactly as planned ("On the Right Track").  He tries out a variety of different professions and activities, but none is to his liking.
 
Enter Catherine.  She is a widow with a young son and a large estate.  When she first sees Pippin, he is a lying on a road like a discarded rag ("There He Was").  It is revealed that Pippin has lost the will to live; she cleans him up and tries restore his ambition.  She describes herself as an ordinary woman with ordinary needs.  Unfortunately, nothing she says to Pippin makes him change ("Kind of Woman").
 
She finally sends her son, Theo, to talk with Pippin.  Theo attempts to show Pippin his duck, but Pippin is not interested.  Catherine decides to give Pippin one more chance. She talks with him and finds out that he is in complete despair because he has an overwhelming need to be fulfilled... and he is not.  She tells him about real despair: a husband that she loved very much, who was struck by fever and taken from her. She then asks Pippin to help her run the estate, and he hops out of bed and starts becoming part of her everyday life doing chores.  But, this work doesn't really interest him either ("Extraordinary").
 
Pippin finally decides that he has had enough of menial chores around Catherine's estate and he tells her that he is leaving.  Then, Otto the duck gets sick, and Theo comes to Pippin for help.  Pippin tries to tell the boy that he doesn't know anything about ducks; all he can do is pray for the duck to recover ("Prayer for a Duck").  Unfortunately, the duck dies; Theo is heartbroken and plunges into his own monumental despair.  Pippin overcomes his own despair by cheering Theo up.
 
In the course of all of this, he finds himself becoming extremely attracted to Catherine. The two of them have fallen in love ("Love Song").  As six months go by, Catherine and Theo throw a party for Pippin.  Pippin realizes that the three of them are becoming a family and it completely terrifies him.  Pippin tells Catherine that he must leave.  Catherine is left alone to reflect on how much Pippin changed her life ("I Guess I'll Miss the Man").
 
Pippin is once again very discouraged and sits alone.  The Leading Player and Charlemagne appear to talk Pippin through what he has learned – what they knew all along – that there is nothing completely fulfilling.  Pippin agrees, but the Leading Player suddenly says that there is one thing that it is completely fulfilling – the much anticipated climax of the show.  A player with a torch jumps in, and a trick firebox is rolled on. This player goes upstage of the box while another player steps inside of it.  A cloth is held up in front of the box, and the player with the torch sets fire to a dummy inside of it that is supposed to be a man.  We see the dummy burn and, after the flames vanish, the cloth is brought up again; the Player steps in front of it.  The Troupe applauds.
 
Pippin is underwhelmed by this trick, but the Leading Player assures him that, when Pippin does it, it will be real.  He asks Pippin to set himself on fire for the audience ("Finale").  Just before he is about to step into the box, he stops.  Catherine and Theo appear, and Pippin begins to go towards them.  The Leading Player is infuriated and demands that Pippin continue with the trick.  Pippin takes Catherine and Theo by the hand and the three of them stand together.  Pippin realizes that all of the magic and greatness he wanted may have been with them.  The Leading Player mocks and threatens Pippin.  She removes their costumes, turns off the stage lighting and empties the stage to show Pippin what life is like without "magic."  Pippin is finally fulfilled.  The Leading Player turns to address the audience.  She apologizes for what has happened and abruptly leaves the stage after demanding that the band leave, as well.  Now, Pippin cannot even sing.  Pippin, who seems to be unfazed, simply sings a capella. Smiling, he and Catherine eventually depart.
 
Theo is left on stage and stares at a pile of discarded gloves as the voices of the players can be heard.  The curtain slowly falls.

Show Synopsis - Honeymoon In Vegas

ACT ONE

A row of storefronts in Park Slope, Brooklyn. In the rain our hero, Jack Singer, cannot contain his enthusiastic love for Betsy Nolan, his girlfriend of 5 years who he plans to make his fiancé (“I Love Betsy”).  He arrives at Betsy’s brownstone and the two head to Tiffany’s to procure an engagement ring. Jack’s anxiety manifests in a flashback to his mother’s deathbed, where she made him swear he would never get married or be cursed (“Never Get Married”). Overcome with fear and anxiety, Jack runs out of Tiffany’s, leaving a devastated Betsy behind.

Back in Park Slope, Jack babbles over his discomfort assuring Betsy his mother’s curse is so close to being done. Betsy has heard this all before and is growing understandably more impatient (“Anywhere But Here”).  Jack impulsively announces they will fly to Las Vegas the next morning and get married immediately.

Arriving at the jam-packed casino of the Milano Hotel, Buddy Rocky, a suave nightclub singer, entertains an enthusiastic crowd (“When You Say Vegas”).  Tommy Korman, a gambler in his mid-fifties and his aide-de-camp, Johnny Sandwich, arrive at the casino.

Later by the pool of the Milano Hotel, Tommy and Johnny reminisce about Tommy’s deceased wife, Donna, who adored sunbathing at this very pool (“Out of the Sun”).

Jack and Betsy arrive at the hotel and casino, and Tommy and Johnny instantly notice the uncanny resemblance Betsy has to Tommy’s deceased wife.  In their suite, Betsy talks Jack into going to the chapel immediately. As she changes her outfit, an invitation arrives requesting Jack takes part in Tommy’s poker game. Jack takes this opportunity to avoid the marriage at hand (“The Invitation/Forever Starts Tonight”).

While Jack meets the other players in Tommy’s game, a joyous Betsy strolls through the shopping arcade searching for an actual wedding dress (“Betsy’s Getting Married/The Game”). The heated poker game ended in a crushing loss against Jack, who ended up borrowing – and losing – $58,000 from Tommy. Tommy plays the nice guy and offers Jack a way out of his debt – allow Tommy a weekend alone with Betsy. (“Come to An Agreement”).

A furious Betsy cannot believe the predicament. She agrees to meet Tommy with Jack for one drink. Tommy charms Betsy and reveals he plans to spend their weekend together in Hawaii. Betsy likes this idea, as both a way to escape Vegas and a way to get back at Jack . Terrified of losing Betsy, Jack tries to stop their departure, but is unsuccessful (“Do Something”).

ACT TWO

Betsy is relaxing at Tommy’s luxurious beachfront Hawaiian home, enjoying the escape from the mainland and the relationship struggles she temporarily left behind. Meanwhile, Jack is trying to get to Betsy (“Hawaii/Waiting For You”). Tommy’s son, Alex, arrives with his wife, Rose, and newborn baby.

Jack finally lands in Hawaii and frantically attempts to reach Betsy while being greeted by the Hawaiian staff (“Ev’ryday is Happy in Hawaii”). The staff is actually in employ by Tommy, who cannot relax knowing Jack is there. The staff, including a seductive local named Mahi, find ways to stall Jack’s mission (“Friki-Fraki”).

Tommy and Betsy continue to get know each other over drinks and begin to dance to the music of some local singers (“You Made the Wait Worthwhile”), while Jack and Mahi head to the Garden of Disappointed Mothers to break the curse.

Back the beach house Tommy and Betsy enjoy dessert and Betsy is getting even more inebriated. Tommy lies and tells Betsy that this ‘arrangement’ was not the result of a $58,000 deficit, but rather only $800. Betsy is enraged and impulsively decides to marry Tommy back in Vegas and move on with her life (“A Little Luck”).

Jack and Mahi arrive at the garden to break the curse and Jack pleas with his dead mother to break the curse (“The Garden of Disappointed Mothers”).  To do so, he must prove his love and win back Betsy’s heart  (“Isn’t That Enough”).

Unfortunately, Tommy and Betsy have already arrived at the airport, where we discover that Alex and Rose were actually con-people paid by Tommy to act like his son and daughter-in-law. To make matters worse, the flight to Vegas has closed and Jack must stowaway on a flight with a slew of Elvis impersonators (“Airport Song”).

Betsy begins to question the reality of the situation and seeks solace at the gym. Meanwhile Jack is on board the flight with the Elvis Impersonators and learns they will soon be skydiving over Las Vegas at midnight (“Higher Love”). Tommy tries to rush the ceremony but Betsy has some concerns (“I’ve Been Thinking”). Tommy rushes the skeptical Betsy to the ceremony and offers her a million dollars cash to marry him. She is disgusted and the two are separated by the arrival of the sky-diving Elvii (“Elvii in Flight”).  Jack and Betsy reunite and embrace and they get married right there (“Honeymoon in Vegas/Finale”).

Show Synopsis - White Christmas

ACT ONE

The story begins with World War II U.S. Army buddies, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, on Christmas Eve 1944 somewhere on the Western Front.  The troops have gotten hold of a Christmas tree, and Wallace and Davis are putting on a make-shift holiday show for the troops of the 151st Division (White Christmas/Happy Holidays). Major General Henry Waverly arrives for the end of the show and holds a field inspection before being relieved of command of the 151st Division.

After the war in 1954, the pair, now labeled “America’s favorite song-and-dance-team,” appear on The Ed Sullivan Show (Happy Holidays/Let Yourself Go). Wallace and Davis plug their new show Blue Skies set to open on Christmas Eve in Florida. Before leaving their dressing room, Davis tells Wallace about a letter he received from an old army buddy of theirs asking them to go watch his sisters’ act. Davis convinces Wallace he needs to fall in love and that the Haynes sisters could be good for them (Love and the Weather), so Wallace reluctantly agrees to go watch the girls.

They go to the club to audition the sister act (Sisters), only to discover that Judy actually sent Davis the letter.  Wallace and Davis have train tickets to go to Florida for their new show that night, while Betty and Judy are booked to leave for Pinetree, Vermont. Davis and Judy dance together at the club and decide to trick Wallace into going to Vermont so all four of them can be together (The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing).

Wallace and Davis board the same train as the Haynes sisters, and it doesn’t take long for Wallace to figure out he has been played. The four begin to get excited about arriving in Vermont (Snow), but when the train pulls in, things are not exactly as expected.

They discover that the Columbia Inn in Pinetree is run by their former commanding officer, Major General Waverly, and it’s about to go bankrupt because of the lack of snow and, therefore, lack of guests. The General has invested all of his savings, pension and hope into the inn, so the foursome want to help out and bring business back (What Can You Do with a General).

Wallace and Davis bring Blue Skies and their entire Broadway cast to Vermont and add Betty and Judy into the show. Martha, Columbia Inn’s concierge, also gets in on the show after impressing Wallace and Davis with her talent (Let Me Sing and I’m Happy).

That night, the General’s granddaughter, Susan, is upset. She can’t sleep because she discovered her grandfather tried to rejoin the army but was rejected and now feels like he doesn’t belong. Wallace comforts her until she falls asleep (Count Your Blessings) and then shares a romantic moment with Betty.

After hearing about the General’s rejected plans to rejoin the Army, Wallace decides to prove to him that he is not forgotten. He calls his friend and former army cohort, Ralph Sheldrake, at the Ed Sullivan Show to have him send out letters to the men under the command of the General in the war. The letters are part of a “secret plan” to get the men to come to the inn for the holiday and surprise the General. Sheldrake returns Wallace’s call to let him know that the “secret plan” is going great, but Martha answers the phone and confuses the message thinking Sheldrake is a real estate bigwig and that Wallace is going to force the General to sell the inn. After Martha tells Betty about the phone call, Betty confronts Wallace about his intentions but still doesn’t learn the truth (Blue Skies).

ACT TWO

A full run-through of the show is taking place in the barn (I Love a Piano) while romantic drama ensues: Judy’s angry at Davis for his flirtatious manner with all the chorus girls, and Betty is packing for New York because of what she thinks Wallace is going to do to the General (Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun). Susan is also desperately trying to create an act to be part of the show but is turned down by Wallace and Davis.  Back in the rehearsal hall, nobody can find the Hayes sisters, so Wallace and Davis rehearse their number for them (Sisters Reprise). Susan tells Wallace that Betty has left for New York, and he goes after her immediately.

In New York, Betty is performing at The Regency Room (Love You Didn’t Do Right by Me/How Deep is the Ocean). Wallace brings Sheldrake to watch Betty’s performance and afterwards they explain the “secret plan” to her. Betty agrees to return to Vermont.

Before leaving New York, Wallace makes another appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show to announce one final time that all the men of the 151st Division should go to the General’s inn for Christmas (We’ll Follow the Old Man).

Wallace and Betty return to the inn to find that Judy and Davis have gotten engaged, and Susan is going to have an act in the show (Let Me Sing and I’m Happy Reprise).

On the night of the show, Martha convinces the General that all of his suits have been sent to the cleaners, and General Waverly concludes that he’ll have to appear in his old uniform. The cast is getting ready in the barn when Wallace and Betty confess their love for one another (How Deep Is the Ocean Reprise). When the General enters the barn where the show is to take place, he is greeted by his former division (We’ll Follow the Old Man Reprise). The show is performed without a hitch (Happy Holiday/White Christmas), and snow begins to fall as the foursome celebrate their love (Finale: I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm).