The Theatre Arts Program (TAP) took us back to the 60’s this weekend with their production of “Promises, Promises.”
Taking place in the Edgerton Center for Performing Arts, the show put on four performances on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The full company has been working since January to put up this musical.
Sophomore Erin Pellegrini, who played Fran Kubelik, the female lead of “Promises, Promises,” discussed how the show is a great piece of art through its solid music and script.
The show consists of popular music from the 1960’s, such as “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” and “Half as Big as Life.” It follows the life of a junior executive who lends his apartment to higher ups in order to climb up the corporate ladder.
“Yes, the music is really good, but altogether it’s incredibly surprising how these themes can still be translated to a modern audience,” said Pellegrini. “We try to give the show as much life as possible, and all the little details have been thought about.”
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The show consisted of many big ensemble numbers.
“My favorite scene from the show is ‘Turkey Lurkey’ because it’s the biggest number in the show and it’s a fun and lively number overall,” said Pellegrini.
“What makes this show special is the charm that it has. It’s a very lighthearted and fun watch, it’s not hard to keep up with and it’s an easy entertainment for many audiences,” said sophomore Thomas Foley, the assistant stage manager of the show.
There was a lot of work going on behind the scenes of this production. “I’ve found that I’ve learned a lot from the people that I’ve worked with,” said Foley. “It’s been a fun learning experience and I have had a good time with everyone on the team and have made so many new friends that I didn’t have before.”
TAP’s production of “Promises, Promises” had a variety of costumes, and elaborate hair and makeup.
Senior Kayla Goncalves said, “Working with my co-costume designer, Emily, has been the best way for us to organize ourselves. We understand what our collaborative vision is, which allows us to divide the work.”
“My favorite costume in the show is Fran’s Oscar de la Renta green slip dress,” said Goncalves. The costumes were an integral part of the show, including different pieces like dresses, belts and shoes all dating to the 60’s.
“I think what’s amazing about this program is that we are always looking to put our own spin on things. Originality and creativity are two skills that all TAP members possess,” said Goncalves. “I think TAP is bringing a new level of innovation into this show through the TV’s and projections we use throughout the whole show. It really elevates the performance to a new standard.”
Due to its outdated themes, “Promises, Promises” is a show that many schools shy away from, but TAP took the challenge head on, using its resources to produce a well-organized performance.
“The work that everyone in this company has put into this production is mind
blowing, and this hard work translated onto the stage 100%. It is a fun show with a talented cast and an incredible production team to hold everything together onstage and offstage,” said Goncalves.
