Welcome to the Musical Theatre Training Academy's Winter Revue, The Gershwins. What a pleasure and honor it has been these last 10 weeks to work with such a talented and dedicated group of musical theatre students. The concept of creating a "cabaret" revue came to mind as I recalled popular dinner theater productions in the earlier years of my career, notably the Treehouse restaurant where I had the opportunity to work with one of Eugene's legendary producers, Ed Ragozzino. The cabaret setting allows the performers to have a more personal connection with the listener, and it seemed to me that this was an important element to be teaching young artists. In their schools, and other community opportunities, they might learn a role in a full length musical, but to learn a great song and sing it where there was no barrier with the audience is very different sort of presentation. And we could imagine no richer source of material than the classics of the American Songbook, the music and lyrics of George & Ira Gershwin. With the allure of tuxes, evening gowns, and performing in the grand space of the beautiful Jaqua Concert Hall, it was not difficult to find 14 of the top highs school performers across the city. Thank you for your support and encouragement- "who could ask for anything more?" -- Vicki Brabham