Performing arts are alive and well at Manatee School for the Arts

On April 21, 2016 I found myself on a plane flying to Florida to see the Manatee School for the Arts production of "42nd Street" under the direction of Mrs. Pat Ross.

The show opened with an overture by what sounded like a professional pit orchestra. It was in reality a group of MSA students under the direction of Mrs. Jenny Kim-Godfrey and Mr. Paul Henry. The student musicians responded like pros to the live stage production. Ben Johnson, student musician, owned his trumpet solo.

"42nd Street" is an homage to tap dancing. Student dancers, under the direction of Mr. Dennis Kenney, brought their "A" game all night. Costumes by Mrs. Jones and Ms. Sherer and their students were "of the period" and gave the show Broadway authenticity.

The production stage was brought to life by the set design and construction. Ms. Rachel Ross, of The Wall People, her crew, students and parents, built, painted and decorated a professional caliber set.

The April 22 show was sold out. Ms. Kelly Hillman, director of marketing, made sure to invite the local community.

Mr. Michael Bajjaly was outstanding in his role as Julian Marsh. To see a true professional sharing the stage with students elevated not only his role, but the performance of each student actor with whom he engaged.

Manatee School For the Arts, under the leadership of Dr. Bill Jones, is to be congratulated for this enlightened approach to providing arts education to its students. MSA students are learning their craft under the direction of faculty who provide structure, education, encouragement and feedback. The MSA staff openly share their lifetime of professional experience with their students.

As a frequent Florida visitor, I will be back for the next production.

Michael Boyd

Jefferson, Md.

This story was originally published May 11, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Performing arts are alive and well at Manatee School for the Arts ."