April 14: The Pirates of Penzance: Andrew High School: Tinley Park, IL: Jazzercise instructor: Kim Vazzana McCulloch

On February 23 Jazzercise Instructor Kim Vazzana McCulloch suggested that I attend the production of “The Pirates of Penzance” at Andrew High School in Tinley Park, IL on April 14th, 15th, or 16th.  Kim’s choreography was to be featured, and she assured me that there would be a lot of dance numbers. – So I put my mind to it, and I took Kim up on that offer.

I have been stranded over the weekend in NJ or CT many times over the years, and when this happens, I typically ride the train into NY City to stroll around and to see a show.  I know all the tricks to getting dirt cheap theater tickets.  Here are a some of the musicals that I have seen on Broadway:  Young Frankenstein, Chicago, Rent, In the Heights, Spam a Lot, Xanadu, Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, Miss Saigon, and Swing.  I am not a show critic, but I think we can all agree I have seen some of the best talent in the world.

Kim (Vazz), you are a gift to those around you.  I thank you for having the time to teach Jazzercise.

This production at the Andrew High School was amazing.   As I watched, I wondered how it was possible to mold and prepare busy high school students to create such quality entertainment in a very short time.  Kim had the performers doing ballet and tap. --She had choreographed sword fights throughout.  ---  The young men lined up in a chorus line and performed eye high leg kicks. (This was a huge crowd pleaser.) -- There was a floor body roll--The entire show was action packed with dance.

The lead singers in this show need to be in an episode of Glee.  They seemed phenomenal to me.

This production left me just as satisfied as every production I have ever seen on Broadway.  I like to celebrate the artistic gifts of people.

Oh Vazz, I loved your creativity.  As each musical number unfolded, I enjoyed watching where and how you positioned the performers to develop the vision you had in your head for that music.  Good stuff!  You are talented!

Keep your eye on the calendar.  Kim (Vazz) said they do two shows a year.  If I lived in northern IL, two nights of the year, I would have date night at the Andrew High School in Tinley Park.  One does not need an attachment to these young people to appreciate this level of entertainment.