El Segundo’s Broadway in the Park makes arts accessible

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Broadway in the Park. Photo by Peter Berstein

Broadway in the Park’s production of Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Phto by Peter Berstein

“Let me show you how we rock ‘n’ roll in Egypt,” said the Pharaoh in a Southern drawl, striking an Elvis-like pose, as audience members burst into laughter.

The crowd faced a stage of professional grade lighting, sound and props, but sat on the grass at El Segundo’s Recreation Park.

This was no ordinary theatrical production – this was Broadway in the Park.

The group’s rendition of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat tells the story of a boy blessed with prophetic dreams. When he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, Joseph uses his gift to find freedom, and sets out to reunite his family once again. Featuring such songs as “Close Every Door,” “Any Dream Will Do,” and “A Pharaoh Story,” the high-energy musical features a cast of 39 professional and local actors, full sets, costumes, and lighting out on the baseball field.

Although the story took place “not long after the bible began,” it was peppered with modern musical styles which added to the show’s contemporary feel.

“Each night the characters get even more energetic and the chemistry of the cast makes the experience that much richer,” said El Segundo resident Lee Ann Giglio, who was attending the play for the second time.

The program is in its third year and draws more than 2,000 people to the park’s softball field.

“It takes a lot of people to put on a production of this magnitude,” said executive producer Jeff Cason. “We have 120 volunteers that help the production go very quickly.”

From casting to erecting the stage, the whole process took about four weeks.

Executive producer Jeff Cason.

Cason has been an avid supporter of theater since childhood. “I was one of those five year olds that put on shows in my parents’ garage,” Cason recalled, with a smile. “I actually performed in the El Segundo Parks and Recreation Drama group throughout my childhood. Theater was something that was always in my blood.”

Cason’s love for the theater has transformed into a vision to bring Broadway-quality performances to the South Bay and beyond. Since graduating from the University of Redlands in 2006, Cason has worked in many aspects of the theatrical world and hopes to use his knowledge to grow Broadway in the Park.

“California spending on the arts is abysmally low,” Cason said. “Our state ranks 50th among the 50 states in arts spending, averaging about 15 cents per person

“El Segundo is fortunate because we have a strong arts program that is supported by the city,” Cason continued. “When kids have the opportunity to see live music, it really allows them to be expressive and creative, and we at Broadway in the Park would like to step up and do what we can to make that more accessible.”

el segundo

Broadway in the Park. Photo by Peter Berstein

Cason said that he is pleased with the direction the program is headed, but in coming years, he hopes to incorporate more local theater groups in the community pre-show and provide underprivileged families with complimentary tickets.

“During our first years of putting on Broadway in the Park, we were just focusing on making it happen and were blessed that the community wanted to come,” Cason said. “Now that we know it is possible, the question is, how do we give back to the community?”

And although Broadway in the Park has experienced success, producing outdoors is no simple feat.

“Producing a play outdoors is always an adventure,” Cason said. “You’re really at the mercy of the elements.”

Cason relayed the trials of the previous years. The first year, he recalled giving notes on stage while bundled in a comforter because it was 40 degrees outside. The second year, the sound system crashed 30 minutes before the show was about to start, and the crew had to rush in a replacement.

Regardless of these obstacles, Cason and his crew always make the show happen because they understand the importance of presenting the arts to the community.

“The reality today is that families just can’t afford to experience the arts together,” Cason said. “It’s too expensive and too stuffy. Broadway in the Park is all about making the arts accessible again.”

Attendees appreciated the program’s ability to celebrate the El Segundo community.

broadway in the park

Photo by Pete Berstein

“Broadway quality productions in our small town makes for an incredible experience,” Giglio said. “The community really enjoys being together in a casual setting.”

Broadway in the Park emphasizes the importance of families experiencing the arts together. Before the show, food trucks line the field as parents purchased dinner for their kids to enjoy during the production.

“I like how family-oriented the show is,” said attendee AJ Pulver. “It’s a big social event allowing the community to (experience) fellowship.”

“The overall ambiance and the lighting are great,” said Chris Scruton. “This is an event for the community (and) by the community that fosters the community. It brings people together and it’s great.”

The program also seeks to expose children to the arts at a young age. “When I was six years old, my parents took me to the Hollywood Bowl for the first time to see John Williams,” Cason said. “I was absolutely amazed by the production and wouldn’t stop talking about it. I was completely transformed.”

“When a seven-year-old kid walks out of here singing and dancing, the parents say, ‘I’ve never seen them like this before. Whatever happened on stage changed them,’” Cason said. “That’s why we do it, for moments like that.”

 

broadway in the park

Photo by Pete Berstein

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