Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Schools

Tampa Prep students, staffers join stage pros

Broadway actors will join in performances tonight and Saturday of the musical Children of Eden.

By JONATHAN MILTON
Published February 3, 2006

Just across the river from the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, where professional artists put on large productions such as the Lion King and Wicked, students and staffers at Tampa Preparatory School prepare for their own performance.

Tonight and Saturday, they will put on Stephen Schwartz's Children of Eden with a team of Broadway actors.

The musical, which focuses on the relationship between parents and children, is inspired by the book of Genesis and features Adam, Eve, Noah and other biblical characters.

"I came up with the idea of having students work with theater professionals," said Scott Warfel, Tampa Prep's theater instructor. "I really wanted to take advantage of my contacts within the professional theater community in New York and bring it into the school for educational purposes."

Local philanthropists Bob and Cathy Smith underwrote the production.

Show proceeds will go toward performing arts workshops at the school. Saturday's performance will include a meet-and-greet reception with the cast.

The show features several notable names, including Kelly Ebsary, a 1979 Tampa Prep graduate who has performed in The Mikado and Les Miserables.

Others are Michael Cole (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Fiddler on the Roof); Caroline Daly (Annie, Jesus Christ Superstar); Jeremiah Miller (Hair, Celebration); and Jonathan Lange (Disney productions).

"This is the first time I've ever been able to participate in something where I'd be meeting and working with actual Broadway actors," senior Emily Ruas said.

The cast includes drama and nondrama students and English, biology, Spanish and math teachers.

The visiting artists were scheduled to arrive earlier this week to rehearse with the cast of students and teachers and to lead workshops and question-and-answer sessions.

"It's not just about the professionals coming in. I think it also brings the school together," Ruas said. "You really get to see just how cool the teachers are. It's really a unifying experience."

Jonathan Milton can be reached at 226-3374 or at milton@sptimes.com

Tampa Preparatory School presents Children of Eden at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday in the Smith Black Box Theater, 727 W Cass St., Tampa. Tickets are $25 per person. For Saturday's performance and patrons' reception, tickets are $100 per couple. Tickets are available at the door. Reservations are needed for Saturday's reception. For information, call 251-8481.

[Last modified February 2, 2006, 11:27:10]