KIDS 'N AMERICA
Kids
'N America is a select group of 30 musical theater students trained at the Franklin School
for the Performing Arts. Ranging in age from 10-18, these talented students of voice,
dance and acting have extensive performing experience and are selected for musicianship,
stage presence and accomplishment. Most are members of the FSPA musical theater performing
troupes and all are involved in busy performance schedules in all disciplines.
The Pride Program includes a diverse collection of American favorites including "God Bless America," "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," "Home on the Range," "Rhythm Nation," "Grand Old Flag," "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Livin' In America," "New York, New York," "Surfin' USA," "Proud to be an American," and many more!
The Pride Tour is a flag-waving patriotic revue
showcasing the talent and youthful enthusiasm of Kids 'N America. This unique ensemble of
34 young singer and dancers perform with live professional accompaniment and dynamic
staging and choreography.
Tour dates: June 27 - July 8, 2002
Boston - New York - Washington D.C. - Orlando
The creative
team of FSPA director Raye Lynn Mercer, vocal director Hallie Wetzell and choreographer
Clyde Nantais collaborated with some of Boston's finest musicians including percussionist
Kenny Hadley, bassist Mark Poniatowski and guitarist Mark White to rehearse and prepare
the Kids 'N America concert program. With the help of videographer Dave Owens and audio
coordinator Derek Pisano, the Kids 'N America ensemble recorded a promotional video
of its unique program.
The
Kids 'N America ensemble includes FSPA students:
Lizzie Abbate, Rachel Abbate, Stephanie Bird, Janna Burke, Megan Charbonnier, Sabrina Cohen, Brittany Dreier, Annie Ferris, Tina Fontaine, Dan Gleason, Garrett Gleason, Molli Hanlon, Erin Hogan, Chris LeBeau, Lyndsay Magid, Mike McCormick, Colleen Megley, Hannah Moor, Katy O'Donnell, Jess Pagel, Heather Philben, Ryan Powers, Andrea Ross, Casey Shea, Kayla Shumway, Steve Spierdowis, Brittney Stickland, Meghan Trahan, Alex Vita and Ricky Vita.