Productions fueled by passion

by courtney h. diener-stokes

Jeff Brunner is no stranger to Boyertown High School, where he’s the vocal and pit director for their musicals.

Jeff Brunner playing the Cowardly Lion onstage in “The Wizard of Oz” as a student at Boyertown High School. (Courtesy of Kevin Byrne Photography)

A 2001 graduate of the school, he recalls gracing the stage as a student in such productions as “The Wizard of Oz,” when he played the Cowardly Lion, and “Anything Goes,” when he played Evelyn Oakleigh.

But it was after getting his undergraduate degree from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania and his master’s from Columbia University — both in music education — that the Boyertown native discovered his true fit in the realm of theater arts.

“I studied in New York with a voice teacher who was working with Broadway performers, and that’s where I really started to get excited about doing musicals,” he said. “But I knew I was better suited for a teaching and directing role rather than acting.”

After graduate school, Brunner cast a wide net when applying for music department jobs but knew he wanted to work at Boyertown.

Jeff Brunner, third from left, and Scott Didyoung, fourth from right, with the cast of “Snoopy” at Boyertown High School. (Courtesy of Kevin Byrne Photography)

“I knew the quality of the Boyertown theater program, so I initially took a job as an elementary music teacher until the choir director retired,” Brunner said.

Solid reputation

He traces the solid reputation and caliber of the school’s theatrical productions to Scott Didyoung, who began directing at the school back in the 1970s.

Scott Didyoung, seated on the far left, directs a rehearsal for the production of “Snoopy” at Boyertown High School. (Courtesy of Kevin Byrne Photography)

“By the ’80s he was starting to make a name for the musicals here, and he also directed at Owen J. Roberts,” Brunner said, referring to the public high school in Chester County. “Everybody knows who he is.”

Prior to Didyoung’s retirement as an English teacher at Boyertown, Brunner had the opportunity to direct three productions with him.

“He’s very passionate, and the kids adored working with him,” Brunner said. “I try to create that same atmosphere, but it’s hard filling his shoes.”

“Mary Poppins”, “The Sound of Music” and “Snoopy” were the last three musicals they directed together.

Jeff Brunner, front, with some of the cast of “Oklahoma” at Boyertown High School.(Courtesy of Jeff Brunner)

“They were probably some of the greatest shows that went through Boyertown,” Brunner said, adding that the 1,000-seat theater typically sells out for every show.

Directing at Exeter

Didyoung is directing musicals at Exeter High School, with “The Sound of Music” coming up for him this year, his second production with the school following last year’s “Matilda the Musical”.

The 2023 production of "Matilda," directed by Scott Didyoung, at Exeter High School. (Courtesy of Danielle Pack) — The 2023 production of “Matilda,” directed by Scott Didyoung, at Exeter High School.(Courtesy of Danielle Pack)

“The students are super excited,” said Melissa Crotty, Exeter’s junior high chorus director and the music department chair for grades K-12.

“He has vision for the program and he’s determined to see our kids shine,” Crotty said. “He brings such knowledge and expertise to student theater productions that Exeter is very excited to be learning from him.”

A scene from "Matilda" at last year's production at Exeter High School that was directed by Scott Didyoung. (Courtesy of Tim Morgan) — A scene from “Matilda” at last year‘s production at Exeter High School that was directed by Scott Didyoung.(Courtesy of Tim Morgan)

Brunner recommended Didyoung to Crotty when he found out that she was in need of a director.

“All of the music teachers in Berks County have a very strong network,” she said. “We all meet twice a year and we support each other if there’s a need in another district.”

Standout theater program

As to the ingredients that go into making a standout theater program, Crotty and Brunner identified some key areas that include a school’s administration highly supporting the program, the school’s commitment to employing talented individuals who have an immense passion for the field and a commitment to being selective in the casting process.

“It’s competitive to be in the musicals, and the best of the best kids are in the show,” Brunner said. “We use a cast of about 35 to keep it more like Broadway.”

Three nights are typically dedicated to their open auditions.

“It’s a strong tradition that the top singers in the school are always the first to audition,” he said. “We demand a high level of talent.”

Jeff Brunner, far right in the last row, with some of the cast from “The Sound of Music” at Boyertown High School. (Courtesy of Kevin Byrne Photography)

The fact that the students begin vocal training as part of their curriculum in elementary school at both Boyertown and Exeter and also have annual junior high musicals equates to children who already know how to sing by the time they’re old enough to be in the high school musical.

From left, Elizabeth Schwenk as Milky White, Grace Campling as the Baker’s Wife and Adam Crotty as the Baker at Exeter Junior High School’s 2022 production of “Into the Woods Jr.”(Courtesy of David Pasquale)

“We always say there’s something in the water in Boyertown because these kids are so talented,” Brunner said. “By the time they get to us they are well-trained and know what to expect.”

Next up

Next up for Brunner is the “Hunchback of Notre Dame,” which he’s co-directing with John Hazel, a 2008 Boyertown graduate. The show will be running from Feb. 29 through March 3.

Directors invest a large amount of time in bringing all of the elements together for each production.

“The preparation can take up to a year between the costumes, set, lights, budgeting, business sponsors and professional licensing,” Brunner said.

Rehearsals are underway, typically lasting anywhere from 10 to 12 weeks, with three-hour rehearsals taking place five days per week.

“We demand a lot of them,” Brunner said. “These kids are fantastic in managing school, sports, time at dance studios and other activities.”

Sense of belonging

Regardless of the school they attend, students can benefit in multiple ways from participating in the theater arts.

Jillian Crotty as the Witch in “Into the Woods Jr.” at Exeter Junior High School in 2022, directed by Becka Malanios. (Courtesy of David Pasquale)

“The theater brings a lot of different kids together and gives them a sense of belonging,” Crotty said. “Some are shy, but come to life when playing someone other than themselves, some are very athletic and some aren’t.”

Each student has the chance to feel excitement through their participation and upon hearing positive responses from community members who make up the audiences.

“It’s a feeling of accomplishment and pride after the show,” Crotty said. “They believe more in themselves and want to come back for more.”