Teenagers Take the Stage with a New Twist on Broadway
In the world of theater, some stories find new life far beyond the bright lights of Broadway. While the bustling streets of New York City may be the heart of theater, it’s in school auditoriums across the country where the magic truly unfolds. This is evident from the latest adaptation journey of a former Broadway musical, now tailored for young performers.
As the curtain rises at the Broward Center for Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, the excitement is palpable. Students from south Florida are set to perform “Once Upon A One More Time Jr.,” a reimagined version of a 2023 Broadway show that had a brief run. This musical, featuring the iconic songs of Britney Spears, has been transformed into a junior version, targeting tweens and teenagers.
Backstage, the atmosphere is electric. Tammy Holder, the theater director, is helping students prepare for the show. “Quiet in the house, please. Quiet on the stage. This is sound check,” she instructs, as the young performers ready themselves for the stage. The students are among the first in the nation to pilot this production. After its Broadway closure, Music Theatre International (MTI) secured rights to adapt the script for school performances. Schools will eventually be able to purchase the script, score, and guide for a flat fee.
With a cast predominantly made up of female roles, “Once Upon A One More Time” is an ideal match for school theater programs. Holder notes, “Because it’s, like, 25 girls and two boys. It’s every theater program in the country.” The plot’s themes of individuality and belonging resonate with young actors, adding depth to their performances.
The story centers on Cinderella, portrayed by 15-year-old Noa Anker, who yearns to break free from her fairy-tale confines. “She realizes that her prince is, like, a little bit unloyal,” Noa explains. Jay Hendrix, 17, plays Prince Charming, a character intertwined with multiple princesses. The musical cleverly integrates Britney Spears’ hits, including “Oops!…I Did It Again” and “Womanizer,” adding a contemporary flair.
Despite the students’ age, many are already fans of Spears. Alana Mauer, Chloe Catty, and Daniel Zelfman, along with Noa, express their admiration for the pop icon. “Ever since I came out of the womb, I’ve been singing her songs,” Noa enthuses.
While the junior version is shorter, with some scenes and songs removed, it maintains its narrative integrity. During rehearsals, Holder and the cast work meticulously to synchronize their actions with sound effects. A pivotal moment arrives when Cinderella shatters her glass slipper, symbolizing her break from tradition.
In preparation for the show, Nova Southeastern University’s theater tech class designed the sets, while local students collaborated on costumes. These elements, once finalized, could influence future productions across schools and regional theaters.
As opening night approaches, the cast exudes a mix of nerves and excitement. The final dress rehearsal is crucial for perfecting the performance. “Y’all. We got a show,” Holder assures the actors, as they gather backstage, hands clasped, ready to bring their story to life.
On show day, MTI producers are in the audience, evaluating the performance for potential tweaks before making the final junior version available. As the students take the stage, Holder encourages them, “There is such a light in each of you. And it puts beauty in the world, and it puts joy in the world.” Her words resonate, and the young performers shine brightly, captivating the audience.
As the show concludes, the audience’s applause affirms the students’ hard work and creativity. This adaptation may have had a short stint on Broadway, but its new life in schools promises a lasting impact, proving that the stage is not just about where you perform, but how you connect and inspire.
