The Theatre Arts Program is bringing “Amélie” to the Black Box Theatre from Feb. 6-22.
The musical is based on the 2001 French film “Amélie” that tells the story of Amélie Poulain, a woman who decides to secretly perform acts of kindness for the people around her.
Source: Instagram, @shutheatrearts
While focusing on giving joy to others, she struggles with loneliness and finds the courage to pursue her own love story. The musical encourages audience members to find happiness in small moments.
Senior Emily Vandal is the leading cast member as Amélie.
“It is a really beautiful story about the growth of Amélie and seeing her come out of her shell and her actually taking a step,” said Vandal. “It could also help other people realize that they need to make a change.”
Vandal was ecstatic when she found out she received the part of Amélie.
“I turned my ringer on on Monday just in case the email came,” said Vandal. “The ringer went off, and I ran from my door to my bed and saw the email, and I just started sobbing.”
The musical is directed by the guest director Chase Brock, a New York-based director and choreographer, as well as the artistic director of the Chase Brock Experience.
“With Chase, he is very open to your ideas, and I felt immediately welcomed and supported by him,” said Vandal. “Feeling a sense of welcome while also working is really important for me.”
Ashley Newman is the choreographer of Amélie and the director of dance at Sacred Heart University. She is also the director of education and engagement of the Chase Brock Experience and close friends with Brock.
“It is super exciting to choreograph a show my best friend is directing,” said Newman. “We have done many projects together, but this is the first time where he is the director and I am the choreographer for a musical.”
Newman’s goal with being the choreographer for the musical is to bridge the performing arts programs of dance and theatre together.
“One of my goals when coming to Sacred Heart was I wanted to choreograph a musical, so it was lovely that they asked me right away,” said Newman. “I would also love for the theatre students to take more dance classes and I’d love for our dancers to be in the musicals.”
This being Vandal’s first time as the lead in a musical, she has learned many valuable lessons, especially how Amélie is focused on the idea of connection and embracing risks.
“The whole theme of our show is time,” said Vandal. “For me, it is about creating the version of yourself and who you are going to be.”
“You’re going to laugh, you’re going to cry, you’re going to have the full set of emotions that you want to have when you see a good show,” said Newman.
Tickets are $5 for Sacred Heart students and $25 for the general public.
For more information on “Amélie” and where to purchase tickets, go to https://edgertoncenter.org/events/amelie/.
