Summer Music Theatre Program Presents Musical Fundraiser

Submitted by Greg Gibbs

Past, Present, and future talent collides on stage at Adams High School on Saturday evening, July 13 at 7 p.m.    

The event raises needed funds for scholarships, providing young students access to the renowned Summer Music Theatre program. This year’s production is Shrek: The Musical, and is anticipated to sell out. Eight of the young performers are able to participate in Shrek as a result of the funding provided by last year’s SMT Showcase.

This one-time special evening performance has become a delightful tradition and provides a showcase of returning talent.   Once a part of our local productions, homecoming students return from University of Michigan, Oakland University, Michigan State, Roosevelt, Emerson College, and many more schools where they have taken a summer hobby to a new level.  They are part of a powerhouse group of performers with local roots, and Broadway dreams.

“We love providing the area kids a top-drawer summer theatre experience” says JoAnna Pillsbury, Director of SMT (the Summer Music Theatre program).   “And once a year, we get to have a reunion with the kids who aren’t kids anymore – you should hear some of the talent we’ll have in this show.”  Jessica Glaser, Rochester High grad studying vocal music at Michigan State, is back to help mentor the younger performers at SMT. She says, “It was such a big part of my life, I love to give back – and to do this fundraiser for a good cause is just icing on the cake.” 

The night will feature a variety of songs and a variety of performers, all connected with SMT in some way.   The audience will be treated to solos, ensembles, and even a full-cast song from “Shrek” this summer’s production that will open just a few weekends later on the Adam’s stage.  

Matt Croft, the show’s Music Director, says, “People may not realize that students that pass through SMT are becoming some of the finest performers in the country.  There are SMT alum on Broadway right now and more to come, I’m sure.”  Croft, who plans to have an 8-piece live band on stage and accompanying the alumni performers, also touts the incredible opportunity to see a professional level show for only ten dollars. “It’s a steal. And every penny goes to scholarships – what a night.”

To support local theatre, student scholarships, and to experience a delightful evening of Broadway, be at Adams High School on Saturday, July 13th, at 7 p.m. – please bring a donation of $10 per person for admittance to general seating.  A sell out is anticipated, so come early for the best seats!

Editor's note: The headline in a previous version of this story mistakenly indicated the students are performing Shrek: The Musical on July 13. That performance is the group's summer production, which occurs later in the season.