By Sandra Diamond Fox, Contributing Writer
Mamma mia, does it show again?
My, my, just how much I've missed you.
Mamma mia, here I go again
My, my, how can I resist you?
About 15 Danbury-area women are showing just how much they can't resist being on stage this summer by participating in two performance camps created just for them.
The camps, called "Moms Gone Glee" and "Moms Gone Wild," are taking place at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Brookfield. And they aren't just for moms -- they're for any women.
They're based upon the new musical drama TV series "Glee," produced by Ryan Murphy, airing Thursdays on FOX TV. The series is about an Ohio high school teacher -- played by Matthew Morrison -- who attempts to save his school's glee club while helping the club's members develop their talents.
"Moms Gone Glee" will
emphasize singing and dancing. Students will perform songs from "Glee" as well as from Broadway. Aside from "Mama Mia," songs include, "All That Jazz" from "Chicago," "I Hope I Get It" from "A Chorus Line," "Better Shape Up" from "Grease," and "Big Spender" from "Sweet Charity."
Other songs will include "Out Tonight" from "Rent," "In the Heights" from "In the Heights," "Maybe This Time" from "Cabaret," "Roxie" from "Chicago," and "Defying Gravity" from "Wicked."
"Campers will help choreograph all the performances and put their own spin on each song," says Nancy Mulligan, 46, Glee Camp's executive director, and marketing director of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio.
The camp encourages women to be as expressive and creative as they want, Mulligan explains.
"Whether you're a former drama club `geek' or just sing in the shower, this is the place for you," says Mulligan. "We welcome every level here."
"Watching `Glee' (on TV) you see all different kinds of people coming together through their common love of the performing arts, and this is what they are doing in these camps," she adds.
Mulligan says the camp will be a trip down memory lane for everyone who was involved in the performing arts when they were younger.
"I think this camp is such a great idea," says Juliette Koch, 41, who is participating in "Moms Gone Glee."
Koch grew up in the theater and has been performing since the fifth grade. Her father owned a restaurant in New York that was a cabaret.
"Life is so busy for us moms. We are always bringing our kids to all their activities so it's hard to be able to devote time to do things for ourselves," says Koch, the mother of two teens who works as an administrative assistant in a New York art gallery.
"I think this is a great time for all of us to get together and cultivate a common passion," she adds. "We are all in the same boat and we all want each other to succeed. It's a very supportive environment."
Mulligan has a bachelor's degree in TV and musical theater from Syracuse University. She has been a producer for children's television -- including Nickelodeon and Scholastic productions -- for 25 years. For the past 10 years, she has been performing with Musicals at Richter in Danbury.
"Mom's Gone Wild" is a dance class that teaches original choreography of the same songs that are taught in "Moms Gone Glee."
"The cool thing about this camp is that it's a mix of all the original show tunes -- like a remix," says Marcello Deaguero, 24, of Danbury, camp choreographer of "Moms Gone Wild."
Deaguero will be working with women on shows "they have grown up on and still watch today," he says.
Deaguero has been dancing for over a decade, and is a choreographer at dance studios all over Connecticut, including the Ridgefield Studio of Performing Arts, Just Dance Studios in Norwalk, and the Conservatory of Dance in Georgetown. He teaches break dancing, hip-hop, and jazz.
Rather than having all campers follow his choreography, Deaguero prefers a collaborative effort.
"I'm looking for the creative efforts from all the moms," he says. "This class will be a chance to reminisce, as well as explore the side of ourselves that is passionate about dance, while having fun at the same time."
Aside from the moms' camps, Mulligan has also created a Glee camp for kids. Children ages 8 to 16 work with professional choreographers, musical directors, vocal coaches and actors. Campers travel to Manhattan, N.Y., to see Broadway shows. At the end of each session, they perform before an audience.
"I hope this camp will inspire kids to have an appreciation for the performing arts, and consider it as a career," Mulligan says. "I also hope they enhance their self-esteem, and increase their confidence to find their hidden talents."
Mulligan hopes by the time the camp is over, if campers want to go further with their passion, they can utilize her staff's connections. "We have a team that can put them in the right direction," she says.
"At Glee camps, all campers get a chance to shine and find what their particular passion and talents might be. I feel Glee camps speak to both adults and children about exploring the arts," says Mulligan, who plans to continue offering all her camps in the fall.
"Moms Gone Wild" and "Moms Gone Glee" classes are July 8, 15, and 22. "Moms Gone Wild" is from 7:30 to 8 p.m. and "Moms Gone Glee" is from 8 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per class if you sign up in advance. Walk-ins are $20 per class.
"Glee Camp Kids" is offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday in four two-week sessions: July 5-16; July 19-30; Aug. 2-13; and Aug. 16-27. Cost is $500 per session. Price includes a Broadway show ticket, transportation fees, and T-shirt.
For more information, contact Fred Astaire Dance Studio, 117 Old State Road, Brookfield, 203-775-6588.
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