A Full Circle
Theatre Workshop's tenth and final production. Presented in June, 2001.

This show, Theatre Workshops most memorable and professional production, is the result of an entire year devoted to making the TW legacy one of professionalism, courage, honesty and hope. As the demand to enroll in the class continues to grow, TW opens three sections this year: advanced, intermediate, and beginning, for a show with 150 students participating. In addition, two sections of Stage Crew are also offered, all to help the performing arts program at Marshall grow and continue to expand its capabilities. This includes including adding even more performance space for our performers by building additional ramps, stairs, platforms and using the auditoriums aisles. This show sees our most advanced lighting and sound design, led by our talented and hard working technical director Marco Navarro. The incredible Jackie Lopez, now a mom, continues her responsibilities as TA, working an entire year to train a hard working and talented advanced hip hop group, which proves to be our most exceptional group yet. Outstanding Student musician Chi Kim proves invaluable to our show working tirelessly as our musical director. The theme of this show is closure, making the most of every day as if it were the last, and accepting the inevitability of change in all our lives. In addition, this show attempts to create a play based on our students lives, and use the music and dance to help tell their stories, all flowing into each other as a whole.

Among the many highlights of this show are: a stunning opening number, "Circle Of Life" from The Lion King using all 150 cast members entering and singing throughout the whole auditorium; "A Spiritual Journey", a challenging modern dance we referred to as the "God Dance" which was our most technically advanced and athletic yet, ending with dancers climbing the back wall helping each other to progress toward the light; "The Swing Suite" an energetic, non-stop demonstration of intricate steps and bounding enthusiasm with over 100 dancers and a mix of classic and contemporary swing music; a spiritually uplifting Native American dance piece; a hysterical mime piece called "A Day in the Life" showing one boys reluctance to get out of bed and go to school; and "Pata Pata" a colorful and fun South African party dance featuring students and their coolest teachers.

Five former and current TW students (and several Marshall teachers) land roles in Touchstone Pictures feature film crazy/beautiful. The LA Times and National Public Radio both showcase the Theatre Workshop program in feature stories. Marshall Advanced hip hop dancers compete and place in several solo and group Street Dance competitions.

< Return to "Theatre Workshop" main page