On January 13–15, 2012, Uptown Music Theatre’s Broadway Babies—23 talented New Orleans youths competed in the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta, GA along with over 2700 other students from around the nation. The event celebrated musical theater in its entire splendor, featuring professional actors, writers and producers specializing in theater.
The first day was a full one for the kids, with a 10-hour chartered bus ride from NOLA followed by a 2-½ hour rehearsal. They arose bright and early the next day to join their ABC division (7 groups representing 6 different states and ranging in age from 7–15). UMT respectfully cheered the 1st act at 8:45am, reigning champions—and geographic next-door-neighbors from Metairie, LA—Jefferson Performing Arts Society. Known for their excellent and professional productions, JPAS did not disappoint; their version of “Once On This Island” displayed championship form throughout. Another standout group, the all-Asian PS 124, Yung Wing Elementary from New York City, directed by Mr. Chester Lee, gave a strong showing that featured excellent choreography and props. These performances set a tone that the “Broadway Babies” had 4 hours to contemplate.
Last up in the division, UMT took the stage at 1pm with a firm resolve and purpose. Energized and engaged, our Broadway Babies gave their most brilliant performance to date. The judges commented on the kids’ precision, focus and sheer joy that left the audience both riveted and thoroughly entertained. After a holler of “Crescent City,” the kids danced out of the room chanting, “Who Dat!” (Although their beloved Saints would fall to the 49ers a few hours later.)
In an unexpected upset, our Broadway Babies won their division and proudly hoisted the big trophy for Outstanding Production. Out of 60 competing groups, UMT was 1 of only 7 featured on the big stage the following day, in front of 3,000 folks. In addition to the group recognition, several UMT kids were selected for individual honors. View competition video footage here:

UMT extends a special thanks to everyone who supported the kids’ trip.

UMT's Broadway Babies with ballet master Ceyhun Ozsoy during an impromptu performance workshop

Uptown Music Theatre kids were treated to an impromptu clinic by the distinguished ballet master Ceyhun Ozsoy. Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Mr. Ozsoy has performed and worked with the Ankara State Ballet Company, the Royal Ballet in London, the Bolshoi Theatre, the Joffrey Ballet and several others. Since 1992, he has staged and choreographed many ballets for Louisiana Dance Theatre. He was in New Orleans performing The Nutcracker with the Delta Ballet when he happened upon a UMT rehearsal. To help the kids prepare for their performance in the National Junior Theater Festival competition in Atlanta this January, Mr. Ozsoy offered important tips about posture, stage awareness and ensemble coordination. As evidenced by the photos, UMT kids were very excited about the workshop and plan to use Mr. Ozsoy’s advice to their advantage!

Educator and Uptown Music Theatre founder Delfeayo Marsalis with some of the Broadway
Babies–who are raising money for a trip to Atlanta in January to compete in the 2012 Junior Theater Festival. UMT is one of 60 groups from 18 different states have been selected for adjudication. To make a contribution on behalf of the Broadway Babies, please make your donation on the right side of this page. Your contribution is tax-deductible and will help the Broadway Babies make it to the big stage!

The 1^st Annual Sweet Sounds of Music fundraiser benefiting the Broadway Babies of Uptown Music Theatre (UMT) will be held on Sunday, November 20 at the Ashe Cultural Center. The proceeds from this event will help us send this troupe of talented, local youth to compete in the National Junior Theatrics Festival being held in Atlanta in January 2012. All proceeds from this event will enhance our ability to provide our youth with this once in a lifetime opportunity and continue the important work of the Uptown Music Theatre.

Youth enrolled in the UMT theatrical troupe rehearse year round and dedicate countless hours to musical, dance, vocal, and theatrical instruction.  Participants have benefitted from personalized training with some of New Orleans’ most respected local professionals including,  Delfeayo Marsalis, Founder of the Uptown Music Theater; John Grimsley, Director; Leah Chase, Vocalist; Jarrell Hamilton, Choreographer; and others.  This hard work has been recognized by industry experts who selected these New Orleans youth to participate in this acclaimed workshop and competition.

“At Uptown Music Theatre, we believe the dramatic arts have the power to change the hearts and minds of young people and empower them to grow into productive adults,” commented Delfeayo Marsalis. He added, “Our arts programs are not only about learning “how” but also about cultivating wholeness in young people by helping them to tap into their own artistic passions and gifts.”

Tickets to the event are $30 per person and include sweet treats and delicacies, music and dance by some of New Orleans most notable performers, and features special guest performances by vocalist Leah Chase and the legendary Ellis Marsalis. Additionally, the Broadway Babies themselves will be present to serenade attendees as they prepare to represent our community at this national competition.

To purchase tickets, find out more about the programs of the Uptown Music Theatre, or to donate online visit http://www.uptownmusictheatre.org/ or call 504-897-3033.

Download SweetSounds of Music Flyer

Uptown Music Theatre will perform as part of the French Market’s Boo Carre on October 22. See us in the French Quarter on the Kid’s Stage in Dutch Alley at St. Phillip and Decatur Streets! Time TBA.

Kidstown Summer Theatre will present Broadway Babies – featuring the greatest hits from Broadway, including works from Annie, Anything Goes, Kiss Me Kate, The Wiz and more.

Performances
Dillard’s Cook Theater
July 30 and 31
2:30pm and 7:30pm
2601 Gentilly Boulevard
New Orleans, Louisiana 70122

Tickets
$10 students, $15 adults available by calling 504 897-3033

Look for previews of the show on
Future Focus – Channel 8 NOATV
Thursday, July 21, 9-9:30pm
and
WWL News – Friday, July 22, 7-9am

The children of the Uptown Music Theatre have been invited to perform at the
French Market’s Annual Creole Tomato Festival on Sunday, June 12th, at 3:30. See us in the French Quarter on the Kid’s Stage in Dutch Alley at St. Phillip and Decatur Streets!

Welcome to the Uptown Music Theatre. We are now registering for the Kidstown Summer Theatre Music Camp. Click here for more information and to download an application.