AVPA and Marching Band Star at the Douglas Party on Tuesday

Dr. Tony SpanoA&E

[img]2793|exact|||no_popup[/img]AVPA alum Nehemiah Williams works with AVPA freshman bass player James Tingle.

As part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Kirk Douglas Theatre on Tuesday, Culver City High School students in the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, has been invited to entertain.

This special honor will include a performance of the opening number from Jason Robert Brown’s musical 13, which made its world premiere at the Mark Taper Forum in 2007.

The Culver City High Marching Band will also make an appearance to give the celebration a rousing conclusion.

The theatre’s namesake, and one of Hollywood’s most legendary actors, Kirk Douglas, and his wife Anne, will also be in attendance.

As part of our continuing partnership with Center Theatre Group, choreographer Cindera Che has been working with the cast of the musical number to prepare them for the event.

No stranger to our students, Ms. Che has worked with dee-Lightful Productions, the local children’s musical theater program where many of our AVPA students have participated.

In addition to the teaching artist Ms. Che, CCHS and AVPA alum Nehemiah Williams has come in to coach the band for the number.

While a student in AVPA, Nehemiah played bass in the band for the premiere production of 13 at the Mark Taper Forum. He has subsequently attended the Berklee College of Music and plays as a professional freelance musician.