MENLO US DRAMA’S 2020/2021 SEASON
“Creativity is contagious, pass it on.” - Albert Einstein
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou
“Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected” - William Plomer
Arts are an invaluable and essential component in the triumvirate of Menlo’s academic and athletic curriculum. Art connects the Menlo community in ways that no other discipline can. When every student has a voice, our community is stronger. We have a unique opportunity ahead of us to provide creative and expressive ways to realize both the importance of community and connection during this unprecedented time.
Fall Show 2020: Dracula, A Comedy Of Terrors
Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct 31, 7:00 pm, via livestream
Along the treacherous Borgo Pass In the mountains of Transylvania, a meek English real estate agent is on a harrowing journey to meet a new and mysterious client…who also just happens to be the most terrifying and ferocious monster the world has ever known. COUNT DRACULA!!
The story follows the legendary Count Dracula as he travels to England to seduce the woman of his dreams, stirring up danger, magic, sensuality, and silliness.
Bram Stoker’s epic horror story reimagined with a dash of Mel Brooks and a pinch of Monty Python, presented as an old-time radio play. This lightning-fast, comedy is guaranteed to raise your pulse and emit blood-curdling screams of laughter!
Helpful infomation:
Audition and Show Information Flier
Audition Sign Up Link
Participation Form and Show Calendar
Show performances will be Oct 30th and 31. Watch your email for live stream deatils.
We’ve got magic to do, just for you!
Watch a little bit of Menlo’s Spring 2020 Virtual Pippin!
In the Spring of 2020, Menlo Upper School Drama produced their first Virtual Musical. It was a herculean effort and the result was proof that ANYTHING is possible when we come togehter, stay open-minded and believe in ourselves. Hat’s off to the cast of Pippin for an incredible (and lasting!) performance. We’ve got magic to do!
Tartuff Highlights…
View pictures more here
Cabaret Highlights…
The cast and crew of Cabaret extend a sincere thank you to all those who continue to support the arts at Menlo!
View pictures more here
Menlo Drama Gives Back
Menlo Drama Give Back raises $1,824 for The TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund! The Menlo Drama Department strives to ‘Give Back’ both on and off stage. Through donations during our productions, we encourage public support for both national and international programs benefitting people affected by health, wellness, and community issues. To date, Menlo Gives Back has raised and distributed over $43,000 to various charities globally.
The cast of TARTUFF chose to support The TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund. The sexual harassment that has been reported in the last two years has been both horrific and illuminating. The TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund supports the brave individuals who have come forward, at great risk to themselves, to seek the justice they deserve and to protect others from similar behavior. his Fund helps workers connect with lawyers and bring cases of workplace sexual harassment and related retaliation — regardless of industry, rank or role. Workplace sexual harassment and retaliation have often gone unchecked; now is the time to finally stop both. Visit https://nwlc.org/times-up-legal-defense-fund/ for more information.
Drama Courses
About Menlo Drama
Menlo’s Upper School drama program includes courses in drama and musical theatre in addition to producing full-length plays each fall, winter, and spring. Past productions have included Heathers, Twelfth Night, Cabaret, The Laramie Project, Fiddler on the Roof, The Miracle Worker, Urinetown, The Diary of Anne Frank, and Avenue Q.
Steven Minning
Steven Minning is the Creative Arts and Upper School Drama Director. He has worked as a director and choreographer in New York, and around the world. As an Associate Director he has staged the Broadway, National and International tours of Billy Elliot, The Lion King, Show Boat, The Will Rogers Follies, and Cirque du Soleil’s Dralion. He has directed and choreographed for major events such as State Farm National Agency Convention in Las Vegas, the Coca-Cola Olympic reception in Atlanta and the World Cup opening ceremonies. He teaches drama and musical Theatre.