The director of choral activities at Bedford North Lawrence High School is Brian Samarzea, a graduate of the Indiana School of Music, former postal worker, and independent music producer. His latest project at the school is a production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella.
Highlights From The Interview
"Cinderella is just a great piece of classic musical theatre, so that was its main attraction. But I have to admit that the fact that I have a strong group of young women in my chorus was also part of the decision to put on the show. Now, I don't mean to slight the young men that will be performing. You do need a handsome prince, whom we have and an actor who come through solidly in the role of the king."
"I would have to say that the dancing was quite a challenge. Our students really are not used to close couple dancing. That was the first thing that they had to get used to. And then, the formal carriage for the waltzes was a further problem. But, getting to and through these kinds of challenges is just great for them."
Father And Daughter Work Together
Brian's daughter Madeleine plays the part of Cinderella. She's a seasoned actor who's sung a number of musical roles at BNL and elsewhere.
"I've been in Annie, Gypsy, Into the Woods and a number of shows that my Dad put on," Madeleine says. "Part of the reason that I wanted to play this part was Julie Andrews. I just think that she's a great performer and a real role model. "
Madeleine describes her enjoyment of the whole high school experience, including academics, music and even sports: "I'm really pretty down to earth," she says. "I guess that's one of the things that I really enjoy about playing in a romantic magical fantasy."
Both of the romantic leads in this production seem down to earth. The student who plays the part of the prince for this piece could not partake in this interview because he was taking an AP Biology exam.