Fall 2009

Binding the Artful Dodger by Gail Phaneuf

Featuring: Jennifer Fogarty, Patti Hathaway and Kelly Quealy *Choreography by Terry Norgeot

Plot summary:
Cassie is 17, a talented dancer, who has just landed the wily role of the Artful Dodger in the high school production of  “Oliver!” But she has troubles that she hides from everyone, except Ms. Minuk, the costume mistress and guidance councilor from whom Cassie aggressively seeks attention in her lonely world. Cassie’s life is both lonely and beautiful, and we see the manifestation of that beauty when she dances.  Cassie and Ms. Minuk have one powerful connection: the lovely Roxy, who was Cassie’s best friend and Ms. Minuk’s favorite student. As Cassie wrestles with an eating disorder and a broken heart, she pushes Ms. Minuk to the brink of civility, and forces the reserved older woman to rethink her solitary life.