The Talent Machine Company didn't look far for the backbone of its new show, Camp Hawyah - The Musical: The entire artistic team consists of company veterans.
Director Steve Love adapted it from a show he co-wrote with Jake Thornhill that debuted in summer 2003. Love started at age 8 with the Talent Machine, was a regular in productions through his teen years, then went on to a professional stage career in such venues as Toby's Dinner Theatre. He took on this writing and directing assignment out of devotion to the young performers who wanted to revive the Camp show.
While keeping the essential message of self-acceptance and friendship of the 2003 Camp Hawyah show, Love said, he tailored this production to the talents of this particular cast and moved the setting from a regular summer camp to a performing arts camp.
Nicole Roblyer Fickes, a longtime Talent Machine member, serves as musical director. Teens currently performing with TMC who are helping out behind the scenes include Katie Pajerowski, Haley Dean, Sarah Johansen and Ryan Gunning, who are joined by alumnus Amy Sonntag as guest choreographer.
The results have all the hallmarks we've come to expect of Talent Machine productions: energy, bright smiles, dance precision and strong ensemble work. These are the legacy of the late Bobbi Smith, who founded the Talent Machine Company in 1987 to give children opportunities to perform in Annapolis. Her stamp remains in Camp Hawyah with a Singin' in the Rain salute and streams of confetti at the end of the show. Another tribute is the fanny pack worn by central character Harvey and later by everyone in the cast, because anyone who knew Bobbi recognized that a bulging fanny-pack filled with clippings about her "kids" was part of her endearing image.
After Bobbi died in January 2001, her sister, Vicki Smith, and Bobbi's daughter, Lea Capps, decided to carry on the tradition. Capps serves as this show's assistant director and choreographer, and her daughter, Samantha Blonder, soon to be a freshman at South River High School, evokes the iconic Cyd Charisse in her famous dance from Broadway Melody. Sammi played with comedic flair the role of Louise, who happily discovers that handsome Steve (Patrick Gunning) is interested in her.
Nine-year-old Carly Hirsh has an amazing debut. She's a small girl with a big voice who barks orders as camp official Darla.
