Bridgette Perdue is always looking for ways to give back to the community.
So when she was asked to direct and produce the first-ever musical for Pittsburgh Colfax K-8, the multi-talented singer, dancer, choreographer leaped at the opportunity.
“I felt honored to do this. I’m grateful that I’m able to give back to the community. There were teachers who inspired me to do what I do and to be able to pay it forward, I’m happy to do that” said Perdue who serves as musical director for the Alumni Theater Company, which creates work that represents the unique perspective of young artists growing up in an urban environment.
According to Perdue, talks between herself and members of Pittsburgh Colfax’s staff and the Parent Teacher Organization—which generously underwrote the project—began last summer. All parties met this January and auditions of “Annie” began in February and the students, many of whom have never been in a musical before, rehearsed for four months.
Pittsburgh Colfax K-8 is located in the heart of Squirrel Hill and serves 781 students residing in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill, Homewood, Shadyside, East Hills and Point Breeze neighborhoods.
“When we met Bridgette, we knew we were set. I knew this was the perfect fit,” explained Lori Goldstein, who has served as the eighth grade English teacher for Colfax for the last eight years. She served as Perdue’s “right-hand woman” during the run of “Annie” doing everything from serving as Perdue’s Colfax liaison, to musical coordinator to handling advertising and creating the playbill. “I’ve done theater my whole life and I felt that it was something that was missing at our school.”
Many ideas for musicals to perform like “Hairspray” were floating around during the group’s first meeting. They quickly settled on “Annie” because it allowed a wide berth to include the multicultural dynamic that is Pittsburgh Colfax K-8. The group also wanted a show that had a large ensemble cast so a lot of students could be in the show. When “Annie” was mentioned, everything clicked
To prepare the students for their roles, Perdue showed them a two-minute clip of middle schoolers performing “Annie.” She refreshed her own memory by watching the movie version of “Annie.”
The students have performed showcases and talent shows in the past but “Annie” is the instititution’s first musical.
According to Goldstein, the building that houses Colfax’s theater and stage is only five years old and the school does not have a full-time music teacher but shares a music teacher part time with Alderdice.
“I see myself in these kids when I see the energy they have, this is a great outlet for them,” explained Goldstein who dappled in community and regional theater herself as a youngster. “These kids faces change when they’re on stage. They shine. Our goal is to show the kids that potential is limitless and that anyhing is possible.”
In the short time that Perdue has been working with her “Annie” cast—about 25 to 27 cast and crew in total—she has noticed each child blossom.
“The kids’ singing, dancing and acting ability and confidence has grown and that’s a good thing for them,” said Perdue who holds two degrees from Point Park University. “They have become good at thinking about their characters and what they can bring to the stage. My vision for the show was to do it ‘the Colfax way’ I wanted the kids to interpret it their way and see what they would bring to the table and I wanted to put out a good show.”
And in Goldstein’s opinion, Perdue did just that.
“Bridgette planted a seed with these kids,” Goldstein said. “They are asking about what show we are going to do next year.”
School officials hope to do two productions during the 2014-2015 season one musical and one play.
Perdue is working to complete her second album and is preparing to perform with her band at this year’s Three Rivers Arts Festival. She will also be playing at the Settlers Ridge Music Series at the Settlers Ridge Shopping Center, 200 Chestnut Drive, Pittsburgh, Both shows are free and open to the public.
“I’m passionate about music and sharing it with my community,” Perdue said.
(For More on Bridgette Perdue, visit www.bridgetteperdue.com.)
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