The Great White Way

Growing up, I was so blessed to be part of a community that is so full of talent! Dance, art, theatre, music...you name it, we had it. And with some of the best teachers in the Midwest, I was so lucky to be a part of Salina South's Fine Arts department in high school. To this day, I love dance, music, art, and any type of Broadway! I have the community of Salina to thank for that!

And it's because of this love for fine arts that a group of my friends from high school actually traveled to New York City this past summer to see one of our very own on the Great White Way!! Emily (Thompson) Afton performed on Broadway in the cast of Hair! What an unforgetable experience it was for us to sit there as the opening number of Aquarius began to play, and a dance party to Let the Sunshine In after curtain call! Goosebumps!

Look! I know her!

Although you are restricted from taking photos inside any theatre, 

Emily escorted us up onto stage after the show for a photo shoot. 

Salina Girls

On the following evening, the cast of Hair hosted a "Be-In" for the LGBT equality organization. Emily was so kind to invite us for the night. Of course we had no idea where it was or what to expect in the least. When we arrived at the hotel, the concierge showed us to the elevator and punched the top floor. Sure enough!

One of THE most unforgettable nights of THE most profound talent I have ever heard. There are no words to even explain the emotions in the room that night. I know how close a cast becomes during a show...you become a family. It was during this performance that we witnessed what a Summer of Love these amazing people have had, and how much they care for each other. Thank you, Emily, for a truly memorable weekend!

Genevieve

The stage for the evening. Notice that the glass doors open to a full walk-around deck, facing downtown Manhattan. (The building that you can see lit up is the new World Trade Center.)

Emily's rendition of Justin Bieber's "Baby"

The gorgeous Manhattan skyline.

A glass railing?? Are you kidding??

Take 1 

Four Girls and Wind

Take 2

Four Girls and Still Wind

Dear Emily,

Since the first time we saw you on stage at our very own SCT in Oliver, we knew you were a star!

You have worked so hard and deserve everything in the world! 

You were a dreamer, and are living proof that dreams do come true!

Congratulations! We Kansans are so proud of you!

Love, Your First Ever Stage Family