Kingswood Oxford students weren’t able to travel to Broadway, so the West Hartford school brought the stars to the students – virtually.

Submitted by Jackie Pisani, Kingswood Oxford School

When like most of the world Broadway shut down, Kingswood Oxford students were disappointed that their trip to New York City in June was canceled due to the COVID pandemic. They were scheduled to see four Broadway shows, work with four performers from those shows through masterclasses, meet/greet the entire cast of each show backstage, and get the opportunity to stay the weekend in the city.

Rather than throw in the towel, Director of Theater Kyle Reynolds decided to do something about it and bring the stage to them. The result? A show-stopping virtual lineup of Broadway actors and actresses nothing short of jaw-dropping.

For an entire week beginning April 27, Reynolds lined up one Broadway star a day to present a virtual masterclass to KO students. The week, coined Broadway at KO, after the already in motion masterclasses students have been participating over the course of the year, will wrap up with a bonus surprise masterclass on Friday evening.

The popular names who will present are Lesli Margarita (Matilda, Dames at Sea, Zorro), Chris Fitzgerald (Wicked, Chicago, Waitress), Taylor Louderman (Mean Girls, Kinky Boots, Bring it On), Grasan Kingsberry (Once on this Island, The Color Purple, Motown), and Kate Baldwin (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Big Fish, Hello Dolly).

Said Reynolds, “I am beyond excited that I am able to make this happen for our students. These are some of the biggest names on Broadway right now giving their time and expertise to our community.”

These events are being offered to all Kingswood Oxford students including current, recently admitted, and prospective, as well as their faculty and staff.

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