A review of Fort Wayne Summer Music Theatre’s production of Hairspray Last night I had the joy of attending Fort Wayne Summer Music Theatre’s production of Hairspray. This is the organization’s 24th production, and one of the largest to date. Founded in 1999 by Kirby Volz and Jeanette Walsh, FWSMT…

A review of Fort Wayne Summer Music Theatre’s West Side Story — Last week, I had the pleasure of seeing Fort Wayne Summer Music Theatre’s West Side Story on opening night. Before I dig into the details, I want to thank the FWSMT team for welcoming me into their process. …

A look inside the choreography of Fort Wayne Summer Music Theatre’s West Side Story with powerhouse choreographer Leslie Beauchamp — In 1957, famed choreographer Jerome Robbins put together an incredible team to create a show that became a beautifully tragic and beloved American tale of love, loss, and the connections we find despite impossible odds. Inspired by William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story was conceived, directed, and choreographed…

An interview about theatre, society, and the future of Fort Wayne Summer Music Theatre with its new director Andrew Sherman — I sit in an office in a small hallway off the choir room of Homestead High School. Director Andrew Sherman chats with fight choreographer Todd Espeland while the powerhouse cast of the show rehearses “Tonight (Quintet)” with music director Ben Wedler. I break out in goosebumps as Erica Ashley, the…

A chat with the Jets of Fort Wayne Summer Music Theatre’s West Side Story — The first thing I notice upon arrival to my first sit-in of rehearsal for Fort Wayne Summer Music Theater’s upcoming production of West Side Story is the energy. It fills up the dance room of Homestead High School, where choreographer Leslie Beauchamp teaches students of all skill levels a combination…