Performances continue despite CUSD teacher strike

As they say in show business, “The show must go on.” And, so it will.

There have been many SOCSA parents, students and friends asking if SOCSA’s “42nd Street” performances will be affected by the teacher’s strike. The answer is no.

SOCSA Foundation’s production of “42nd Street” had its opening night as scheduled, Thursday, April 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in the Porthole Theatre inside Dana Hills High School.

“42nd Street” tells the timeless, inspiring tale of Allentown, Pennsylvanian Peggy Sawyer’s (Jane Papageorge) rise from chorus girl to Broadway star. With a live band, dozens of tap dancers and a great set, this is a must see production. “42nd Street” includes these classic songs: “We’re in the Money,” “I Only Have Eyes For You,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off To Buffalo,” “Keep Young and Beautiful” and the spectacular title number, “42nd Street” danced down a flight of steps that lights up as brightly as the faces of the talented SOCSA student cast.

Julian Marsh (Geoff Kaufman), a successful Broadway director, produces a new musical. The money comes from a rich old man, who is in love with the star of the show, Dorothy Brock (Julie Wickstrom). But she doesn’t reply to his love, because she is still in love with her old boyfriend. At the night before the premiere, Dorothy breaks her ankle, and one of the chorus girls, Peggy Sawyer tries to take over her part

“This is the first time 42nd Street has ever been performed in the Porthole Theater, which is really exciting! There are 73 students involved in the show—37 cast members, 18 crew members and 17 student band members and they have been working very hard for the past seven weeks. All of the costumes for the performance were designed by SOCSA Student, Cathy Hwang,” said director Brittany Longdon. “People should come to see 42nd Street, because in a time where everything is so up in the air and no one seems to really know what is going on (with the school district), it is an uplifting, high energy musical that is fun for the whole audience and very family friendly.”

The performance of the SOCSA Spring Musical, “42nd Street,” is a SOCSA Foundation event and all 6 performances will go on as scheduled. Show times are scheduled for April 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and May 1 at 7 p.m. at the Porthole Theater inside Dana Hills High, 33333 Golden Lantern. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased at www.socsarts.org or at the door. For more information, call 949.240.1994.

In other SOCSA news; Saturday’s SOCSA student auditions for next year will go on as scheduled. If the strike continues into Friday, the SOCSA auditions on that day will be rescheduled.