High School Students Revive a Short-Lived Broadway Musical with Fresh Energy
More people experience live theater through school performances than on Broadway, indicating the significant impact of student productions. Reviving a Broadway show for a younger audience comes with its own set of challenges, as demonstrated by a recent production in Florida. The spotlight is on the Broward Center Performing Arts theater in Fort Lauderdale, where students from all over South Florida are preparing for a unique performance.
The production in focus is “Once Upon A One More Time Jr.,” a reimagined version of the 2023 Broadway show that had a brief run. Featuring Britney Spears’ iconic hits, this adaptation is tailored for young teens, providing an exciting twist to the original musical. The students are bringing to life a show that closed on Broadway after just three months. This pilot production is among the first in the U.S. to test the junior adaptation on stage, a process that involves more than just tweaking the script.
Music Theatre International, which acquired the rights post-Broadway, has reworked the script for schools. Tammy Holder, the theater director, is navigating the complexities of adapting the show for student performers. “It’s a musical that’s new to student theater,” Holder commented during rehearsals. The junior version simplifies the original while retaining its core themes of individuality and belonging, which resonate deeply with the young performers.
The story follows Cinderella, portrayed by 15-year-old Noa Anker, as she seeks to redefine her fairy-tale existence. Meanwhile, Jay Hendrix, 17, plays Prince Charming, whose character arc involves multiple princesses, echoing the themes of Britney Spears’ “Womanizer.” These elements, combined with the catchy music, provide a compelling narrative for the students and the audience alike.
Although most students weren’t born when Britney’s songs originally aired, they are well-acquainted with her music. Students like Alana Mauer and Chloe Catty expressed enthusiasm for the pop star, with Chloe noting, “I had, like, all the songs memorized on the first day of rehearsal.” The junior version is shorter and omits some scenes to ensure it suits the age group, but the essence remains intact.
The production involves a collaborative effort from various local institutions, including a theater tech class at Nova Southeastern University that designed the sets. Local middle and high school students contributed to costume design, ensuring the visual elements match the vibrancy of the music and storyline. These designs will potentially set a precedent for future productions across the nation.
As opening night approaches, the student cast, with nerves running high, is eager to see if their hard work pays off. Holder, rallying the cast in a backstage circle, emphasizes the importance of imagination and community in theater. “There is such a light in each of you,” she encourages, as the students prepare to bring the story to life.
The production concludes with a resounding success, as the students deliver a performance filled with energy and precision. The audience in Fort Lauderdale rewards them with standing ovations, indicating the potential for this junior version to inspire future adaptations. Following the show’s completion, Music Theatre International will integrate the feedback and experiences from this pilot into the final version, which schools can perform starting next year.
