GBHS drama presents ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ at Saenger Theatre

Gulf Breeze High School Drama department invites the public to attended their production of Richard Henry Morris’ “Thoroughly Modern Millie” at the Saenger Theatre. “Thoroughly Modern Millie” is a high spirited musical romp set in New York City in the 1920’s that makes audiences want to dance the Charleston. Two performances are scheduled, one Friday evening January 5 at 7:30 p.m. and one Saturday evening, January 6 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the Saenger Theatre box office and online through Ticketmaster.com. All seating is reserved, so purchasing tickets early is recommended

The main character roles in Gulf Breeze’s performance of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” will be performed by Kate Turner as Millie, Brandon Timmons as Jimmy and Melanie Matthews as Dorothy. Turner has performed in two other Gulf Breeze High productions with this being her first leading character role. This summer she performed in Pensacola Junior College’s production of “Singing in the Rain” and has performed with the Pensacola Children’s Chorus for the past nine years.

Brandon Timmons has performed as a main character in last year’s Gulf Breeze High School’s “On the Town”. He also performed in Pensacola’s Junior College’s “Singing in the Rain” this summer and most recently as the Nutcracker in this year’s Pensacola Ballet production of the “The Nutcracker.”

Melanie Matthews is performing in her first Gulf Breeze High School production. Melanie has been a member of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus for the past nine years and has appeared in St. Mary’s production of “Oliver” as well as Pensacola Junior College’s production of “Fame.” The cast and crew of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” include a total of 38 Gulf Breeze High School drama students.

Gulf Breeze High School’s performance of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” is directed by Margie Timmons, who has been teaching and directing plays at Gulf Breeze High for almost 25 years. She graduated with a Bachelors and a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Alabama. She received the “2000 Outstanding Teacher Award” at the Southeastern Theater Conference. Her passion for theater coupled with her gift to recognize and cultivate talent in her students is evident by her long list of student successes in the Performing Arts.

Under Margie’s leadership, Gulf Breeze High School has become the “Home of the Rising Stars” with past graduates that include Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins on Broadway), Abigail Spencer (Star of Lifetime TV’s “Angela’s Eyes”), Candace Bailey (Actress on TV’s “Nickelodeon” and “Jericho”), Kevin Wheatly (Writer, producer, director and actor), Claire Lautier (Actress on “Law and Order” and movie “Elf”), Guerin Farley (Actor with Disney), Hanan Tarabay (Performing Opera in Ireland) as well as many others currently working in the entertainment industry. Many Gulf Breeze High School Drama graduates have received full or partial scholarships in performing and technical theater related programs more than 25 colleges, conservatories and universities including Yale, Julliard, Cincinnati Conservatory, Boston Conservatory, NYU and Duke.