Broadway Under the Stars
Chatham Performing Arts Boosters.
Chatham High School performers sparkled at “Broadway Under the Stars” on Friday night, May 19th, making downtown’s Reasoner Park gazebo feel like the Great White Way. The event was hosted by the Chatham Performing Arts Boosters (CPAB).
Under twinkling lights, talented students performed songs from shows including Pippin, Sweeney Todd, andInto the Woods.
The show opened with a performance by CHS’s garage band. Then, Andrew Kober, a veteran Broadway performer and Chatham resident, took to the stage as the evening’s special guest host. He performed “I Love Betsy” from Honeymoon in Vegas before introducing the student vocalists and a cappella groups to the crowd seated on the lawn in folding chairs and on blankets.
Kober has two young children in Chatham and said that he loves being in a town that supports the arts.
“We were so fortunate to have Andrew as our host this year,” said CPAB President Janine Vecciarell. “He not only captivated the audience with his singing, he was also incredibly engaging. He had the audience laughing as he entertained us with stories of some of his experiences on Broadway.”
Vecciarelli added, “Backstage, he answered questions from the high school performers, who were eager to hear more about his experiences. We are so grateful he generously gave his time and talent to support performing arts in the Chatham School District.”
Throughout the evening, the audience was energized, cheering the performers.
Audience member Judy Baird commented, “As a Broadway veteran, it is amazing to be in the presence of a town that offers so many resources to young talent. The kids are hungry and excited and filled with enthusiasm and seize the opportunities presented to them.”
The free, open-air concert was sponsored by CPAB.
“Broadway under the Stars” has been a tradition since 2012. It had always been held indoors at the high school, but was moved outside and downtown for the first time last year. This year the show received support from the newly-formed Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce (CACC).
“We are extremely appreciative of the Chatham businesses who have joined the CACC to sponsor this event,” said CPAB President, Janine Vecciarell. Linda Mellina, CPAB Vice President added, “Hosting this wonderful evening of performances in Chatham’s vibrant downtown, with support from the local businesses, reminds us that the arts enrich the lives of everyone in the community.”
The crowd enjoyed free popcorn and cookies compliments of “Star” sponsors Legends Gallery at Frames on Main, Novalis Roofing and Siding, and the Madison Area YMCA. “Broadway” sponsors, who offered support to offset production costs, included Cassius Eco Fashion, Chisel & Loom, and Scoops The Chatham Creamery.
A storefront window on Main Street was decorated with Broadway themes to promote the event, thanks to the efforts of Chatham resident, Cindy Marrinan.
CPAB is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization that provides financial and parent volunteer support for the K-12 music and theatre programs within the School District of the Chathams. For more information, please visit chatham-pab.org
