PASTforward
Theatre Workshop's ninth production. Presented in June, 2000.

To celebrate the millennium, TW chooses to create a show that celebrates where we are today by looking back at where we came from. At the same time, the show explores what it takes in all of us to overcome and triumph over adversity. TW makes use of some additions to the auditorium, most specifically a new stage extension and platform system in order to get even more performers on the stage dancing, acting and dancing. Stage Crew TA Henry Lowe joins returning TA Jackie Lopez in the goal of making the group ever more professional and impressive. Students work all year during off-track practices and countless after school practices to develop scenes and dances that take TW to an even higher level in quality and enthusiasm. Scenes are now almost exclusively autobiographical in nature, honed and edited until the most powerful and moving are ready to be presented.

Highlights include: A fabulous student swing band playing solo jazz music as well as back-up for our all-male singing groups "Is You Is Or Is You Aint My Baby"; two numbers from the show Little Shop of Horrors the large group number "Downtown" and the sweet and hilarious "Suddenly Seymour", featuring a special appearance by Cupid; "The Matrix" a powerful exploration of the tragedy of war and its consequences presented as a modern dance; TWs energetic version of the traditional Filipino "Tinikling" stick dance; "A Goodbye" one students painful memory about saying goodbye to her older brother for the last time; and "Celia Y Tito" a joy-filled celebration of Mambo and Salsa dancing danced to the music of Celia Cruz and Tito Puente.

This years group continues its participation in community projects by working with neighborhood senior citizens and elementary school kids in LA Modern Dance & Ballet Companys Neighborhood Dance Project; TWs Advanced Hip Hop group competes and wins 1st place victories in several regional and state dance competitions including State Champions in the Street Dance category.