The servants entertain Madame President while slipping in a little of their own "she's cuckoo and crazy" into the performance. (Photo: Susan Fried)

PHOTO ESSAY | 'Snow Whyte & The Seven,' a Teen Summer Musical Tradition

Published on:

Aug 27, 2024, 12:13 am

by Susan Fried

"Everything you've learned over the last nine weeks comes together now," Michelle Lang-Raymond said to the nearly 70 young people as they first stepped into Benaroya Hall for a dress rehearsal.

The young actors had been practicing the 2024 Teen Summer Musical Snow Whyte & The Seven five days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the weeks leading up to the performances on Aug. 23 to Aug. 25. The kids were awestruck at the size of the theater, but they immediately got to work perfecting their performances.

The Teen Summer Musical has been a Seattle tradition for over 25 years. In fact, some of the kids in this year's show have parents who performed in the musical when they were kids. During the 10 weeks of rehearsal, the young actors form lifelong friendships and learn how to work as a team as well as learn all about what it takes to put on a big musical production. Many of the kids return year after year.

As usual, this year's musical drew hundreds of enthusiastic fans over its three-day run at Benaroya Hall.

Reflecting on this performance, Executive Director and Music Director Lang-Raymond said, "While we strive to match the exuberance and excellence of every previous year's show, this year's performance was definitely a cut above, matched only by the audience's equally vibrant energy! The Teen Summer Musical's brand of theater is such an interactive and energized experience that everyone from the stage to the seats leaves on a high note. Having this 10-week process culminate and be mounted back at the Benaroya Hall is a memory our kids won't soon or ever forget!"

A group of young performers on stage, with three dressed in brown, camouflage-like costumes adorned with faux leaves, extending their arms dramatically as if embodying trees. The central performer, wearing a bright blue blouse and black shorts, stands confidently between them.

Snow Whyte played by Aleah Bruce, 15, finds herself lost in the unknown forest. With choreography by Koach Crosby. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Two performers stand on stage, both with expressive faces as they appear to sing passionately. The person on the left, wearing a dark blue and gold embroidered outfit, gently holds the other performer, who is dressed in a colorful, patterned top and a yellow skirt.

The Prince, played by Chrisean Greene, and Snow Whyte, played by Aleah Bruce, sing 'Alive,' written by Michelle-Lang Raymond, together during a dress rehearsal of 'Snow Whyte & The Seven' at Benaroya Hall on Thursday, Aug. 22. (Photo: Susan Fried)

A performer on stage wears a shiny, metallic silver outfit with a hood and sunglasses, exuding an energetic and joyful expression while singing. The background features a grand, vibrant scene with columns and a distant landscape

Jayden Walker plays the Mirror during a dress rehearsal of 'Snow Whyte & The Seven.' (Photo: Susan Fried)

Five performers stand on stage in a line, each with their arms raised high and expressions of joy and enthusiasm. They are dressed in vibrant, culturally inspired clothing, with some wearing sashes bearing words like

The Seven: Nyrell Davis, Nickari Lomax, Isaiah Ticeson-Minnis, Maya Russell, and Jamie Michele-Charles celebrate getting their 'gold,' aka educational diplomas. (Photo: Susan Fried)

A young performer stands on stage, singing with an expressive face and open arms. She wears a vibrant, patterned top over a yellow dress. The background features a misty forest scene and traditional African symbols on a patterned backdrop.

Aleah Bruce as Snow Whyte sings during a dress rehearsal of 'Snow Whyte & The Seven.' (Photo: Susan Fried)

Two performers are on stage, engaged in a tense moment. The person on the left, wearing a black cape and several bracelets, gestures emphatically while speaking to the other performer, who is dressed in a shiny, metallic silver outfit with a hood and sunglasses hanging from the neckline.

Madame President, played by Harlem Yarbrough, admonishes the Mirror to help her eliminate Snow Whyte. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Four performers are on stage, with one standing on the shoulders of another in a playful and acrobatic pose. The performer on top wears a colorful outfit and a matching hat, while the person beneath wears a striped shirt. The other two performers, dressed in patterned tops and skirts, are positioned on either side, singing with enthusiasm.

'Ujama keeps the harvest growing' performed by Nyrell Davis with fellow castmates playing The Seven. (Photo: Susan Fried)

A performer dressed in a shiny, metallic silver outfit with a hood and sunglasses steps through a large, frame-like structure on stage. The frame, styled like a picture frame with silver curtains, creates a dramatic entrance as the performer confidently emerges.

The Mirror emerges on the stage. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Eight performers are seated at a long table on stage, all raising their fists in unison while expressing a mix of enthusiasm and determination. They are dressed in colorful, culturally inspired outfits, with some wearing sashes featuring Swahili words like

The Seven give Snow Whyte inspiration to get dressed for the celebration by singing, 'All you need is a little bit of oooh ahh and rat-a-tat-tat!' (Photo: Susan Fried)

A large group of performers dances energetically on stage, dressed in vibrant, culturally inspired costumes. They move in unison with raised arms, filling the stage with dynamic motion.

The citizens of the kingdom celebrate in a final dance performance. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Two lead performers stand at the center of the stage, holding hands and raising their other arms triumphantly toward the sky. They are surrounded by a group of performers sitting on the floor, also reaching upward in a gesture of unity and aspiration. The performers wear vibrant, culturally inspired costumes, and the background shows a sea of people holding glowing candles.

The Prince and Snow Whyte hold their arms up triumphantly. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Susan Fried is a 40-year veteran photographer. Her early career included weddings, portraits, and commercial work — plus, she's been The Skanner News' Seattle photographer for 25 years. Her images have appeared in the University of Washington's The Daily, The Seattle Globalist, Crosscut, and many more.She's been an Emerald contributor since 2015. Follow her on Instagram @fried.susan.

📸 Featured Image: The servants entertain Madame President while slipping in a little of their own "she's cuckoo and crazy" into the performance. (Photo: Susan Fried)

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