Musical Revue gets a Standing Ovation

Students, teachers, parents and friends alike poured into Broadneck High School's auditorium this week to witness one of the school's most celebrated yearly traditions, the 2011 Musical Revue.

Headed up by Chorus Teacher Valerie Bennett, the Musical Revue operates as a sort of musical variety show. Broadneck students perform several numbers ranging from today's hits to Mel Brooks musicals, each with their own series of costumes and choreography.

"We spent about a month and a half rehearsing, so I really don't get nervous anymore," said Bree Daniels, Broadneck Junior and Revue performer. "I was just trying to keep my voice from cracking"

Instead of using an adult coordinator for each song, Bennett chooses five students from the group of singers to organize and direct their own series of songs.

"Mrs. Bennett picked a bunch of [the directors] back in September," said Jessica Straub, Producer/Director for the Revue. "We each get to pick the songs we want to produce, and we get to make them look like whatever we want".

For many, the Musical Revue provides an opportuity to step onto a stage for the first time.

"This is my first year at Broadneck," said freshmen Lexi Brown. "I was really excited, I'd never actually done anything like this before".

Several of the freshmen and sophomore performers reflected Brown's sentiments, adding that they thought it would be fun to be on stage with their friends.

One of the new problems the Musical Revue experienced this year was the mild attendance drop they experienced as a reult of a new $3 admission charge.

"The show used to be free, so people would usually just walk right in" said Ben Sloskey, Broadneck Senior and performer. "Even though $3 isnt that much, just the idea of paying can keep people from coming."