Vocal music takes over

The John Burroughs High School auditorium will be transformed into a cabaret lounge and servers will be on hand to offer hors d'oeuvres and "mocktails" during the Vocal Music Assn.'s first major show of the year.

"Burroughs on Broadway" opens tonight at 7 p.m. and will play again at 2 p.m. on Sunday with a matinee show.

The show features more than 200 students from the four musical groups that comprise the Vocal Music Assn.

"It's been a big undertaking," said Brendan Jennings, director of the Vocal Music Assn.

"The kids are really talented and hard-working. It makes my job a pleasure, really."

The program will include performances from hit Broadway musicals, including "Oliver," "Guys and Dolls," "Fame" and "The Lion King."

Students will be singing and dancing in solo numbers, duets and group performances, said Jennifer Kukan, dance choreographer.

"They have to be disciplined to be in this show," Kukan said. "These kids are so smart that they can do anything when they graduate."

Students have been rehearsing and preparing for the show before the start of school this year, Kukan said.

During the final dress rehearsal, students expressed mixed feelings about opening night.

"I'm excited and a little bit nervous," said Noel Escobar, 15.

"I'm excited to see how the show will turn out."

Noel has a solo number from "Sunday in the Park," and will be singing a number from "City of Angels" in a duet.

For Justin Haasis, 17, going on stage feels natural by now.

"I'm a senior, so I've adjusted and I'm not nervous," Justin said, wearing an African costume from "The Lion King."

"I hope everyone does well."

It's the first year of Vocal Music Assn. for Shauna Murphy, 14, who hopes to pursue the performing arts.

"I was meant to be here," Shauna said.

"Now, all my friends are in choir. "

When asked how she feels about opening night, Shauna said she has "nervous jitters."

"It's good to have nervous jitters," she said. "Any good performer would have nervous jitters because you care how the performance will turn out."

The two-night shows are a fundraiser for the Vocal Music Assn.

Proceeds will help pay for costumes, props and travel expenses to vocal competitions, said Bron Savage, a mother whose son, Keaton, 15, is in the show.

About 400 tickets have already been sold and an additional 200 are expected to be sold at the door, said Brendan Jennings, director of the Vocal Music Assn.

"All the kids, parents and teachers are real supportive," Jennings said.

"Administration has been incredibly supportive."

FYI

WHAT: Burroughs on Broadway, the first performance of the year for the Burroughs High School’s Vocal Music Association

WHEN: 7 p.m., Saturday and 2 p.m., Sunday

WHERE: John Burroughs High School Auditorium, 1920 Clark Ave., Burbank

TICKETS: $15 general admission and $40 for cabaret seating, includes non-alcoholic beverages, reception before the show and hors d’ oeuvre and drink service during the show.

CONTACT: (818) 618-5225