It was alright and the older audience seemed to enjoy hearing the well preserved dialogue of George Kaufman and Edna Ferber.
Nostalgia just isn't what it used to be like.
I find it like a John Waters production whenever I see kids playing adults and with moustaches (not on the girls in the cast)
Not one member of the cast impressed me that much---future Hepburns or Berhardts--historical), but they did try their best.

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Awesome show, I'm a tad biased because my son is in it and has worked so hard. There is some acting in this offering which seems to foreshadow future greatness, some of these young people are gifted and seem to belong on the stage in front of us. I'd say this rises above the usual High School play level in many ways; the set, the acting, even the directing are a cut above. The exuberance woven joyfully into the production is contagious. I think even if you don't have a kid in this play, you will enjoy the show and want to look ahead to see what's onstage for the spring!

I saw most of the production between concession stand duty (disclaimer: my daughter is in the tech crew). I thought show was a strong and quite enjoyable production. I think the theme of what constitutes theatrical "art" is relevant when I think about reality TV shows and endless re-do's of popular movies for stage and screen. Perhaps the dichotomy in the 21st century is not art on stage vs. movies (as in the play), but a broader quality issue across various entertainment media. Kim Kardashian's wedding, anyone?

I really didn't expect to see the next Hepburn,I confess. I expected a high school play, and was pleasantly surprised by how well it went and how polished the production was. It was a smoothly staged - NO gaffes, forgotten lines, faulty sound, falling/breaking sets or other problems, and the staging and costumes looked authentic to the period (1930's). Every actor looked as though they had a sense of what they wanted their part to convey on stage, and did a good job of creating their characters. The ticket price is more than reasonable for an evening's entertainment -- and you are helping to support high school drama, especially in these days of school budget cuts (proceeds go the the M-A drama department). It was a fun evening!

The show had a little something for everyone. Nostalgia, fabulous costumes, a well constructed and beautifully decorated set and a cast of exuberant, enthusiastic and well prepared young actors.
I laughed and cried. What more could you ask for in a theater production?

I had the real and unexpected pleasure of seeing Stage Door at MA High School last Saturday night. I have seen several high school productions in my time ( my own daughters recently graduated from Gunn, which also has a strong theater program), yet I was surprised and very impressed by the excellent acting, set, costumes and overrall quality of the production at MA. I thought that there were a few true stand-out performances and I wouldn't be at all surprised if we were to see one or two of the young actors go on to great things. The talent and dedication were clear to see, and I, for one, felt lucky to have seen such an excellent production. Kudos to all involved!

I attended this show in a tired state on a week night and was wonderfully transported by the magic of good theater. From terrific sets and costumes to a a cast that boasted several especially fine performances (some touching, some hilarious), M-A's Stage Door is utterly worth seeing. Congrats to all involved!

I am part of the cast and I would just like to say thank you to all who came and supported us! We appreciate your kindness and wonderful thoughts/comments!
Thanks again!
-the cast of "Stage Door"

R. Gordon,

It surprises me that you've gone out of your way to criticize our performance on not one, but two publicity notices.

I don't know what performance *you* saw, but clearly members of the community disagree.

Our cast has managed to put on a fantastic show despite many mishaps out of our control. Our director was pregnant throughout the rehearsal process, and had her baby a week early, leaving our student director and stage managers to put the finishing touches on the show themselves. Actors and tech have been responsible for almost every aspect of this show, from costuming, to constructing our set (the first box set ever in the PAC), to advertising, to scene work.

I don't know what more you could expect from a high school production? Our cast and techies are solid. Actors know their entrances and lines. Costumes and makeup are true to the time period and props fill up the stage really making 1936 come alive on our humble stage.

Next time you're looking for a Broadway-quality show, don't try your luck seeing high school productions.

If you're looking for great entertainment from passionate performers at a good price, Stage Door is the show for you.

Also, I highly doubt Hepburn or Berhardt were Broadway material when they were in high school. Nor would they have made it to Broadway without the chance to perform and receive training.

As for me, I applaud their ability to not let a few bad reviews (like yours, R. Gordon) stand in their way of stardom.

Well, cast member, the preparation for the show with all those disabled stageworkers sounds a lot more interesting had you done an improvisational group to do it with some talent.
For your information, Hepburn, and most stage actresses of the period of STAGE DOOR, were already on the Broadway stage performing at much earlier ages than your senior class and walk ons.
I DID see the production. I belive Patty Duke received a TONY and an OSCAR for the film when she was 12 as did Tatum O'Neal for her brilliant performance at 8 for PAPER MOON.
For any of you who intend to make a career on the stage or try out for soap operas or films, you will be up against thousands of other people for each part.
Your's was typical community theatre where the audience is composed of parents, relatives, and supporters of a lot of young thespians who would not have the nerve to go to NY and go after a career.
I am just sick of seeing ads for a local play taking up so much space on the front page when there are a lot more important issues.
Now, go to Broadway, get a job, rent an apt.with 12 girls, and do not think that learning to act is something one can perfect by watching actors in episodic TV or dependent on a pregnant director.
Maybe it's because I loathed being forced to play ABE LINCOLN in the 4th grade, even though I was brilliant and family movie star friends thought so too.....good luck to those aspirants who wish to pursue the stage.
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To Mr./Ms. R. Gordon:

I am apalled at the insults and vitriol you see fit to spew at young people engaged in a wonderful community activity. Considering you are a "resident of another community", I suggest you take your more important priorities to another forum. I for one, am very happy to see the front page of OUR local paper feature OUR local play, that OUR local young people are engaged in. We have no interest in your disdain for the "typical community theatre". Rather we are very proud of the hard work, enthusiam, resourcefulness - and yes! - TALENT of this group.

Bravo to the entire cast and crew of "Stage Door!" What a powerful and moving final performance last night! From Opening Night it was a solid, entertaining show, but this was your best yet. As an ensemble you reached a new level of live theater, improving timing, depth and credibility. I was thoroughly engaged throughout and felt as if I was witnessing something special. What an accomplishment!