Original Creative Team

Director:

This is my second year directing the school musical and I am honored to be back working with our Musical Director, Edward Norris. When Mr. Norris and I picked Miss Saigon, we knew it was going to be a monstrous task but I do not think we realized how rewarding it would be to see our students bring this story to light. The students and staff have worked tirelessly to ensure this story is told with conviction, sensitivity and maturity. I could not be any more proud of the cast and crew of this show. 

The story follows our main character Kim, a young girl who has lost her family in a war torn Vietnam. She is left with no option but to go work in a nightclub named Dreamland where she is surrounded by other young girls left with little to no options for survival. It is there she meets the love of her life, Chris, and their story unfolds. Unfortunately, just like in any tragedy their love will be tested and ultimately lead to their undoing.

This show would not have been possible without Mr. Norris. The time and dedication he puts into these students vocally will shine through in their performances. He is consistently pushing them to strive for greatness. I could never put on these productions without him, his insight and his talent. I am so grateful to have your friendship and partnership with these productions. 

When Mr. Norris told me about this musical one of the first things he said was, “We need to land a helicopter on stage…” I was immediately up for the challenge. Little did I know what a challenge it would become…I roped my husband into helping being the artist he is. He came in on his days off and helped design the car and the helicopter. The whole cast and crew appreciates your time and dedication Stephen!  It then took our amazing custodial and carpentry team, Ralph DiMaggio, Frank Petrizzo, Mike Mesa, John Macchione, Roy Bencio and others to help make all the sets and get the stage ready for use. This show would not have been possible without you all. 

Next I have to thank our Masquer officers: Elle, Luis, Elijah and Michael. They worked tirelessly on ad runs, collecting patrons donations, helping with set painting and program creation. I really appreciate your hard work! A very special thank you to my stage manager, Kasey. She showed up to every rehearsal, documented all the blocking, created a set change list, made sure attendance was taken and so much more. Kasey I appreciate your help and would have not been able to do this show without you! To the whole cast and crew, thank you for showing up and giving this show your all. To our leads: Shye, Andrew, Jeffry, Michael, Elle, Phoebe and Daniel… You all are amazing and I can not wait to watch you shine on stage! 

I would also like to thank our choreographer, Michael Shapiro. Even though this show might not be a big dance show, your attention to detail with marching really shows. Behind the scenes I need to thank our financial director Liana Caesar-Quaye, Carol Beglin for helping with programs, Suzanne Rant for handling all our invoices and High School Administration for supporting us along the way. 

I think I can speak for the cast of Miss Saigon, that we are extremely grateful to have everyone here to see our show, so please sit back and enjoy the show!

With  Love– Laura Makula

 Musical Director:

To the Glen Cove High School Masquers Society:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for all for your hard work during this show. From the crew to the cast, you have all been professionals and it has been a pleasure to work with you this year on this magnificent production.

There are several people that this production would not be possible without.

Thank you to Ms. Laura Makula for sharing your time, talent and vision with us. You are an inspiration, and we are all privileged to work with you. I have loved every second of our time directing this show together. I TRULY appreciate all that you have done to make this show a success!! I am very grateful that you took this journey with me. 

I look forward to many more shows in the future! You’re a Rockstar!

Thank you to Mrs. Brittney Frank Rifkind, for all of your behind the scenes help. None of this would be possible without your help, support, love, and encouragement! You are the absolute best! Thank you for keeping me sane…almost. 

Thank you to Mr. Michael Shapiro for sharing his amazing dance talents with us! You were awesome with our kids and you really helped to make Saigon come to life! I hope we can work together for many years to come.

Thank you to Ms. Liana Caesar-Quaye, Mr. Ralph DiMaggio, Mr. Roy Bencio, and Mrs. Suzanne Rant for all of their help putting this production together. It truly takes a team to make a musical happen and we are very grateful to have such great people working with us.

Shye, Andrew, Michael, Jeffry, Elle, Daniel and Phoebe, as well as your understudies: You are true professionals. You came to rehearsals each and everyday ready to roll. Many of you knew your music before I taught it to you! It is that attitude that will carry you far in your futures. 

Enjoy every second, and I look forward to seeing you shine on our stage. 

Congratulations to the principals of Miss Saigon. 

Thank you to the Masquers parents for supporting your children’s love of theatre. The rehearsals were long and took place sometimes 6 days a week but it was worth it! We appreciate all of your help in making this come to life!

 Thank you to the administration for allowing us the opportunity to express ourselves through music!

We wouldn’t be able to do this without any of you.

Lastly, thank you to the wonderful students of the Glen Cove HS Masquers Society. I am so grateful that you have all shared your talents with us! Thank you ALL for making this dream a reality.

Love to everyone!

Ed Norris