ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—“Lights, Camera, Action!”
On Sunday, June 9, The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC (PAS) presented its 3rd annual “Raise the Curtain” production and it was spectacular. The theme of this year’s “Raise the Curtain III” (RTC III) was “bergenPAC goes to Hollywood”—with dozens of songs from movies and film scores.
The extensive musical roster included songs from “La La Land,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Hello Dolly,” “A Star is Born,” “Annie,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “The Lion King,” “Fame,” and many more. There were also dramatic performances, such as a scene from “Cinderella,” and instrumental performances.
The production—in which several hundred Performing Arts School students aged 5 to 20-plus displayed their singing, dancing and drama talent in show stopping numbers—was a special collaboration of all the programs at The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC.
Co-directors of “Raise the Curtain III,” roberta mathes and Rececca Sonia, worked together with the youngsters and teens for many months to produce the show.
mathes is the artistic director of the school’s dance program, and Sonia, an alumna of the Performing Arts School at bergenPAC and mathes’ former student (since age 10), is a choreographer and a teacher there.
“The students have been preparing for ‘Raise the Curtain III’ since September, and we began the choreography in January,” Sonia said. “I love seeing the students progress over time. They are a little nervous at first, but by the time the show goes on, they do really well.”
The performers, as well as the audiences and staff of the Performing Arts School were all delighted with “Raise the Curtain III.”
Makayla LaBode, 16, who has been taking dance lessons since age 3, speaks highly of the school.
“I had trained at many schools, but I was told that the PAS is the best, and it is,” said LaBode. “Roberta is a fabulous teacher who pushes you to be your best!”
Thirteen-year-old Skyler James, who also began dancing at age 3, agrees that mathes is an extraordinary teacher.
“She is a master of technical precision and totally dedicated to her students,” James said. “Roberta makes everyone feel like we’re a family!”
mathes responded, “I am happy that I have touched so many dancers’ lives, and they too are inspiring and making a difference for our children in our community.”
LaBode, who also sings, hopes to be in musicals on Broadway someday. Many former students have already forged impressive careers and others are well on their way to professional stardom.
Esther Lee, an alumna of the Performing Arts School and former student of mathes’ who assisted her with “Raise the Curtain III,” is now a dance major at Fordham University in a program that includes classes at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Dominic Roncace, president and CEO of bergenPAC, was extremely proud of “Raise the Curtain III.”
“It is a culmination of all the hard work our students put in throughout the year with their instructors. Their talent and enthusiasm is so evident when they take the stage,” Roncace said. “This is the perfect representation of what makes The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC such a special place for young artists to develop their craft and passions.”
Alexander Diaz, creative director of education and outreach, said, “‘Raise the Curtain’ is always a thrill because it showcases the training and experiences the students have gone through. Our teachers are a force in the arts and we could not be prouder to present this incredible end-of-year event!”
Photos by Hillary Viders
