The lovely Shannon Burdett of publicity crew captured some moments of our first two weeks of rehearsal! The dedication, optimism, and glee of this group are already so discernable. Dances are coming together fabulously and songs are becoming harmony-bearing masterpieces. Props and costumes are sprouting about all over the theatre, each selected and created with precise attention to detail. While reading and pondering, I came to thinking that the word serendipity is a good descriptor for what goes on around here; I learned that it means, “Finding something nice while looking for something else.” Cast and crew signed up to simply put on a show, but all are quickly discovering friendships, making lasting memories, and putting together a live piece of art. While we are working on “Thoroughly Modern Millie” so adamantly, I think it is important to have a bit of background information on why exactly the twenties, when the show is set, were just so momentous. The more you know, the more you can enjoy the show!
The twenties were bustling with change as women deservedly earned their right to vote and systems of credit were introduced. Spending money on unnecessary items became the norm which left impacts on social life and fashion. This allowed more Americans to own radios, televisions, refrigerators, and other "luxury items" that previously were exclusive to the upper class. A growing number of women were taking charge and entering the workforce and embracing college leading to a new, modern woman. This modern, working woman with her radio in home, shortened her skirts and her haircut. Her evenings were dedicated to speakeasies, dancing, and mingling in the bustling downtown scene. This desire for independence quite literally invented a new type of woman, which is exactly what Millie Dillmount longs to become. Also contributing to the world of change was the Prohibition. This forced the moderns to take their party to underground and hidden venues called speakeasies, a place where Jimmy frequents quite a lot. They would come to life in these undercover worlds where the drinks and the music never seemed to cease. The combination of these factors, just to keep this brief, culminated with a society buzzing with life unlike anything else before. To see it all come back to life, get yourself to "Thoroughly Modern Millie" at McAuley. -Ally Knizner Class of 2018
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March 2018
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