Arts & Entertainment, Schools Scene

Taking RFH Tower Players’ Spring Show Outside

Small group virtual dance rehearsal takes place in March with choreographer Casey Stolowski and male cast members. Pictured are Casey Stolowski, Aidan Herman, Matt Reulbach, Evan Callas, Chris Stypa.
Photo/RFH

Of the mindset that in spite of the pandemic, the show must go on, the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) Tower Players are taking the spring musical off the auditorium stage and to the outdoors.

The musical they’re taking to the outdoor stage is Emma! A Pop Musical.

“This outdoor musical will continue to push the limits of traditional theatre following the Tower Players’ virtual fall play. Over the past few months, the cast and crew have been vivaciously rehearsing at home and at school in small group, outdoor rehearsals.”

Released statement from RFH

The musical follows Emma Woodhouse (Isabella Sciortino), a popular senior at Highbury Prep, as she attempts to find love for her shy best friend, Harriet Smith (Kate Kennedy), despite the protests of student and substitute science teacher Jeff Knightly (Aidan Herman). With music from iconic female artists such as The Supremes, Shania Twain, Whitney Houston, Katy Perry, and more, Emma brings a modern, Clueless-esque twist to Jane Austen’s eponymous novel.

In this show, the Tower Players are led by a team of advisors.

The group consists: of KasiAnn Sweeney (director), Susan Schuld (assistant director / play production coordinator), Matthew Leddin (technical director), and Amanda Gorfain (musical director).

Newcomers behind the scenes this year include Catherine “Kitty” Cleary (costumes director) and Casey Stolowski (choreographer), both of whom are excited to bring their own ideas on how to adapt live theater to pandemic circumstances.

Emma: A Pop Musical is presented through special arrangement with Broadway Licensing.

The show will run for two weekends, May 14 to 16 and 21 to 22, with a rain date of May 23. In order to prioritize the health and safety of the cast, crew, and audience, tickets will be sold exclusively online and all seating will be assigned. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.rumsonfairhaven.org in the weeks preceding opening night.