A OF SUGAR Spoonful A spoonful of sugar was just the beginning of the sweet story behind the directorial staff of the fall 2023 Homecoming musical. Assistant professor of theatre and director of Pied Pipers, Dottie Frye, chose senior theatre education major Violet Brentham as the lead choreographer for “Mary Poppins.” Not only was Brentham a student of Frye but she was also a member of the Pied Pipers ensemble. Frye had seen what Brentham was capable of, on and off stage. “I had worked with Violet several times,” Frye said. “She was a Spring Sing 2023 ensemble member, and I noticed then that she loved to perform and entertain.” Brentham had a passion for the arts as she not only participated in it, but also searched for a career. As a theatre education major, Brentham worked with children and students to find a passion on stage. “I have a passion for theatre, and teaching gives me a way to inspire that same passion in the next generation of creators,” Brentham said. Her passion for the theatre led her to great dedication for the musical. Brentham wanted to dedicate her work with the musical to all those that were in it and to all the spectators who came and watched. Brentham spent countless hours outside the theatre department to make this musical the best it could be. “Over the summer, I spent time researching the history of the music style so we could build our dances off of that along with the inspiration behind the movie,” Brentham said. “I’ve gained so much knowledge about dance itself and different choreographers.” Because of her leadership and dedication, the appreciated Brentham, and thought that she increased the camaraderie and community within the cast. She seemed to make their time together sacred and beneficial to not only the musical but also their relationships. Cast member senior Jackson Samuels spoke on Brentham’s leadership. “Violet is very personable and is very good at making sure that everyone is on the same page and understanding,” Samuel said. “She is such a positive person, and if you do not understand something, you will never feel put down by it.” Her choreography brought an opportunity for her and the cast to create a magical experience for the audience. “Getting to create is difficult because there’s always the thought in the back of your mind that what you’ve done is not good enough, but luckily that’s where God comes in,” Brentham said. “We don’t have to be good enough, we just have to do our best to let his light shine through us.” The cast and crew of the fall 2023 musical spent time to make “Mary Poppins” as magical on stage for the audience as it had been backstage for the cast. Brentham’s role as choreographer showed her magic touch on the stage through dance as well as off through her dedicated relationships with everyone involved. Written by Sophie Thibodeaux Senior Violet Brentham leads choreography of the fall 2023 Homecoming musical “Mary Poppins.” In Action | Senior Violet Brentham (blue hat) performs in the Homecoming musical “Mary Poppins.” Brentham was chosen as lead choreographer for the show and participated in the ensemble. Photo courtesy of Jeff Montgomery 164Seniors
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