On March 31, 2025, Garnet Valley High School was proudly represented by the Garnet Valley Performing Arts Association (GVPAA) at the Bucks County Theater Festival! Standing with student theater programs from across the region, GVPAA took part in hands-on workshops, community-building, and exciting performances at the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, PA. There were certainly no "Monday blues" for these students!
Morning Broadway Learning Workshops
To start off the day, students had the chance to learn Hamilton choreography, ensemble-building, and theater techniques at professional-level classes. The biggest treat for learning from industry professionals, among them two directors and an actor fresh off the Hamilton national tour where she starred as Eliza.
Brigadoon & 42nd Street Performance Highlights
GVPAA took the stage with 20-minute excerpts capturing the stories of Brigadoon and 42nd Street, featuring 47 actors and 6 crew members. Each performance was followed by live feedback from professional adjudicators, who praised the group’s energy, professionalism, and passion. Though it's hard to capture the dedication of these GV student, these comments certainly carry the praise.
Brigadoon
Ensemble energy, choreography, and strong character work were highlighted in this performance. Some standout moments included:
Cole Miller & Lauren Cusick (Tommy & Fiona) – Their believable character interactions and their vocals
Jeanne Eppler & Gavin Garcia (Meg & Jeff) – Their comedic timing and their convincing character work
Levi Schnatz & Male Dancers – The Irish Jig and Sword Dance for their precision and enthusiasm
Student Directors (Dage Newkirk, Jeanne Eppler, Kaidyn Potochar) – Their obviously amazing work staging and creating an ensemble that works together well
Carli Fruchtl – Ensemble choreography and for the seamless dance numbers between Fiona and Tommy
Mrs. Thomas & the Vocal Ensemble – Ethereal harmonies
The opening and closing numbers were applauded for powerful staging and vocals as well.
Tech Crew (Meredith Strickland & Raigen Roades) – Credit for props, tech, and lighting
42nd Street
Tap accuracy, vocal power, and character transitions were among the praise, besides:
Aidan Simpkiss – Transformation from Brigadoon’s kind schoolmaster to 42nd Street’s intense Julian Marsh
Cole Miller & Lauren Cusick – Again recognized for vocal excellence and Lauren was praised for her ability to act like she couldn’t dance, even though it was obvious from the Brigadoon excerpt that she could
The Quartet – Their beautiful harmonies in lullaby of Broadway
Carli Fruchtl & Mrs. Arters – Praised for the unity of the ensemble and for making it obvious that the cast and crew truly worked well together. The adjudicators even noted that they had seen how close the cast and crew seemed to be in the audience, during vocal warm-ups, and in the classes in the morning.
Festival Awards & Recognition
Although individual awards were not given out this year, GVPAA received three official shout-outs at the conclusion of the festival. The adjudicators honored GVPAA with:
• Outstanding Chorus of the Festival – Brigadoon's vocal and dance ensemble
• Best Individual Dancer Award – Levi Schnatz
• Outstanding Dance Performance – 42nd Street cast
Though GVPAA was beyond grateful for these acknowledgements, nothing replaces the heart of what makes GVPAA whole. The judges emphasized the ensemble’s unity, character commitment, and contagious enthusiasm, all qualities that GVPAA has whole-fully embodied.
A huge congratulations to the entire cast, crew, directors, and our GVPAA parents and production team. Another applause goes to the teachers, students, and administrative supporters who made this experience possible.
For more GVPAA updates, follow on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, or visit GVPAA.org.
