CHS Stage Production of "Rags to Riches" Now On DVD! Tuesday, March 01, 2011 By Sophomore Daniel Sloan Zane Clark, Molly Long, Pauline Santos, Amanda Estep, Ashtyn Clay, and Taylor Bogle sit together as the Lead Roles of the musical. - Photo by Derek Williams Advertising Do you remember the classic TV show, Rags to Riches? CHS put its own version together for the stage in November, but the experience is not over. Now, for a meager $15, you too can own the phenomenon that changed the lives of over 40 cast members. With the hard work that the CHS drama department put in, not only is $15 a good deal, it is a great deal! Furthermore, the artistic direction of the DVD was placed under CHS’ very own Sean Brier. Sean’s computer editing abilities are quite formidable, so the content has been made abundant and excellent. In fact, Sean had his own modest commentary on his efforts. Sean said, “We received some footage from BlueStar, which is a program that Starlight Theater puts on to reward young players for their stage work. They are like the Oscar’s of high school musicals.We are going to put some of that footage into the DVD. It has a little better of a quality than some of what we took, so we are going to put that into the video to make it a really special experience.”  Sean has put in over 24 of his own personal hours to make this DVD available to the public. He is still not done, but assures us, “The DVD will be available to the public by the school play.” That would be THIS WEEKEND for those interested in seeing Around the World in Eight Plays. Earlier, it was mentioned that lives had been changed by this production. One such cast member gave his input on the video. Sophomore Adam Ussher said, “I absolutely enjoyed Rags to Riches. It was really fun to get to do something so new and being able to defy all odds. I plan to purchase the Rags to Riches DVD because there were a lot of parts I had to be backstage for and it was a great family show. I don’t have kids, obviously, but if I did, I would let them watch it.” The DVD is packed full of bonus features. Do not worry, you will not be getting any spoilers here, you will just have to buy the DVD to see the bonuses. Even the director will have to wait to see them all. Director Derek Williams said, “It was not too different to direct this than any of the other shows. In some ways, it was easier because I knew the show really well.” Mr. Williams wrote the stage adaptation of the show. Mr. Williams continued, “It was a fun experience. I am so proud of the students. I have seen the rough draft of the video and so far it looks good. He did a pretty good job on it.” Yes, even the director only got to see the draft. This experience is truly made for the elite. And  now, anyone  can become one of the elite.  In order to find more info on the DVD, you can ask Mr. Williams himself at dwilliams@cameron schools.org.  If wanting to purchase, e-mail Mr. Williams. Sean told all the juicy details on the bonus features, but to find out what these features are the DVD must be bought. All proceeds will help the drama program have enough money to make more great content like it. Do not be left out. Hurry up and put in order in, they will not last long!

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