We Are the Drum – We Are the World

A student and community theater production being staged at the North Division campus is in its final weeks of rehearsal. Directed by North Division graduate and Los Angeles Director/Choreographer, Frank Gatson, Jr. the show is taking on a very professional edge.

On Monday, February 15, while nearly all MPS students were at home for a professional development day for teachers, students in We Are the Drum – We Are the World were hard at work on the North stage. Rehearsal was scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Students in the production are from Genesis and Milwaukee African American Immersion High Schools on the North Campus, as well as Milwaukee High School of the Arts, Joyce Kilmer High School, Golda Meir, Auer Avenue, Transition High School, Wisconsin Conservatory of Lifelong Learning, Lincoln Center of the Arts, Roosevelt Creative Arts Middle School and others.

This year marks the 20th staging of the show and includes a special tribute to Michael Jackson, which is the focus of Frank Gatson, Jr.’s effort. Gatson, Jr. is an accomplished Director/Choreographer working with Beyoncé, Backstreet Boys, Destiny’s Child, Maxwell, En Vogue, Usher, Mary J. Blige, and many others. He also directed, danced with, and choreographed for Michael Jackson. Frank is working without charge and at his own expense, giving back to the school and city where he started his journey.

From February 16 to the 25 thousands of students will see a short version of the production. We are the Drum – We are the World is a celebration of African and African American history and culture through music and dance and includes a special tribute to Michael Jackson.

On February 26, 27, and 28, the production will be staged in full for the public. Tickets are available at www.capitaproductions.org and at Lena’s Food Markets, 2322 West Oak Street, (414) 372- 1860, and 4030 N. Teutonia Avenue, (414) 744-0014.

Tickets are also available at Roger’s Beauty Salon, 1547 N. Farwell Avenue, (414) 224-0066, and at DZRE Salon, 4604 W. Burleigh Street, (414) 445-1600. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday the 26 and Saturday the 27 and at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday the 28.

CAPITA Productions Inc. is a unique multi-cultural community theater company based in Milwaukee. The company name stands for “City at Peace in the Arts.” CAPITA partners with local schools to bring professional level theater to students and the community where limited access to these art experiences exists. For more information please contact Arlene Skwierawski at (414) 397-8661, or arsmusic00@aol.com, or at www.capitaproductions.org.

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Popular Interests In This Article: Frank Gaston Jr, North Division High School, Theater