Here is an plug for tomorrow's much anticipated encore of performance of "Fires in the Mirror" at Hoboken High School Auditorium by Dean Kemph.....
Don't miss this!
Having two notably theater-inclined kids, Annie and I were unsurprised that their most coveted holiday gifts were tickets to Ragtime on Broadway, which we turned into one of those increasingly rare family outings last month. Despite its limited run, occasioned by the economics of unfortunate timing, we all agreed that the production justified the rave reviews proffered by the oft-persnickety NY critics. In fact, we went so far as to suggest to each other that it was almost as good as the Hoboken High School production several years before. I'm not kidding.
Which brings me to the point. Many of us are unfamiliar with what happens at HHS beyond the more well-publicized problems of an urban high school. We had a look from the inside a few years back (Delia was in that production of Ragtime) and were both stunned by the talents the kids brought to the stage and permanently enlightened by the camaraderie, warmth, dedication, and motivation of the involved students. The immense impact that the theater program and its peerless and devoted director, Paula Ohaus, has had on their lives is a constant talking point for these students, and continues to be reiterated by alumni who insist that the effect on their ensuing experiences is just as dynamic. It's a remarkable thing.
The high school has been a multiple winner of the Papermill Playhouse Rising Star Awards. Beyond the superb entertainment value, I can't imagine any program in Hoboken more worthy of Hobokenite support. A great place to start would be tomorrow's (Saturday's) production of Fires in the Mirror, details following. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids, with some proceeds going to Haitian relief. Check out the links to the Newsradio88 coverage Newsradio88 coverage and the article/video in the NYTimes about New Jersey high school theater which prominently featured Hoboken.
Hope to see you there Saturday night! And tell your friends!
Best,
Dean Kemph
Former Hoboken Resident and citizen watchdog
Update 2/2/2010:
City Hall sent me this reminder on the upcoming Hoboken High School play "Fires in the Mirror" in order to help spread the word. Here is the brief note and quote from Dawn Zimmer:
I am once again sending the press release to you about the theatrical production of “Fires in the Mirror” at Hoboken High School this coming Saturday. I have also added below a quote from Mayor Zimmer offering her support for this extraordinary production. Any assistance you can provide in spreading the word about this powerful play would be greatly appreciated. The young people involved have done a remarkable job. And once again, part of proceeds will be donated to the Haiti relief efforts.
Quote from Mayor Zimmer:
“I was deeply impressed with the willingness of the young people from Hoboken High School to take on the challenging issues involved in this moving play and raise our consciousness on the crucial issue of discrimination," Mayor Zimmer commented. "I hope that you will join me on this Saturday evening to see this inspiring award-winning encore performance by the incredibly talented young people at Hoboken High School.”
Original Post 1/25/2010: One day before the Superbowl, the Hoboken High School will be putting on Fires in the Mirror. It is an encore performance for the critically acclaimed play to raise money for Haiti relief. Details are embedded below in the press release:
◦
