The cast and crew of On the Town are ready to wow this town at Branford High School (BHS) March 17 to 21. Next Wednesday through Sunday, a cast crowded with talent presents six shows of a stellar production set in the BHS auditorium. With music by Leonard Bernstein, this show stays true to its 1944 Broadway smash roots, with show-stopping dance numbers, brilliant comedy, dazzling sets, and singing that's got to be heard to be believed.

Next Wednesday through Sunday, a cast crowded with talent presents six shows of a stellar production set in the BHS auditorium. With music by Leonard Bernstein, this show stays true to its 1944 Broadway smash roots, with show-stopping dance numbers, brilliant comedy, dazzling sets, and singing that's got to be heard to be believed. Now in her 25th year directing music and dance for the shows is BHS Musical Director Cathyann Roding, teamed once again with director Toni Cartisano, a 24-year veteran of these productions. The shows, cast with BHS students, have built a reputation for results touching on professional excellence.

Now in her 25th year directing music and dance for the shows is BHS Musical Director Cathyann Roding, teamed once again with director Toni Cartisano, a 24-year veteran of these productions. The shows, cast with BHS students, have built a reputation for results touching on professional excellence. In more than once case during past productions, "Our parents have overheard people talking in the audience, saying they've put professionals on stage," said Cartisano, smiling. "It's a compliment."

In more than once case during past productions, "Our parents have overheard people talking in the audience, saying they've put professionals on stage," said Cartisano, smiling. "It's a compliment." That reputation for fantastic shows has been built by layering on experience and experimenting with how far each group of students and volunteers is willing to go to put on a great show. Each year, with that support, the productions keep improving, said Cartisano.

That reputation for fantastic shows has been built by layering on experience and experimenting with how far each group of students and volunteers is willing to go to put on a great show. Each year, with that support, the productions keep improving, said Cartisano."We've raised the bar on standards, whether its costumes, scenery…The kids demand more from us and so we demand more from them. The volunteers step up every year. It's a team effort. The volunteers who build the sets and help us in so many other ways do it because they're having fun and they take so much pride in it. The kids are so appreciative," said Cartisano.

"We've raised the bar on standards, whether its costumes, scenery…The kids demand more from us and so we demand more from them. The volunteers step up every year. It's a team effort. The volunteers who build the sets and help us in so many other ways do it because they're having fun and they take so much pride in it. The kids are so appreciative," said Cartisano.Adding to those standards is a professional, live pit orchestra directed by Roding and professional sound and theatrical lighting. This year, Cartisano and Roding are pleased to have new BHS Technology Facilitator James Norrie heading up sound and lights.

Adding to those standards is a professional, live pit orchestra directed by Roding and professional sound and theatrical lighting. This year, Cartisano and Roding are pleased to have new BHS Technology Facilitator James Norrie heading up sound and lights. "He's theater-trained in light and sound. We've always had someone like him for the shows, but now we have a staff member from the school," said Cartisano.

"He's theater-trained in light and sound. We've always had someone like him for the shows, but now we have a staff member from the school," said Cartisano.Also assisting Cartisano are BHS Stage Manager Caitlin O'Neill (a senior), Assistant Stage Manager Alex Acunzo (junior), and stage manager-in-training sophomore Miranda Blanchard.

Also assisting Cartisano are BHS Stage Manager Caitlin O'Neill (a senior), Assistant Stage Manager Alex Acunzo (junior), and stage manager-in-training sophomore Miranda Blanchard. In the lead roles of three sailors

In the lead roles of three sailors On the Town are BHS senior Emmett Cassidy and juniors Ryan Bloomquist and Greg Nobile. Set free in WWII-era New York City on 24-hour leave, the trio dances, jokes, and sings its way through several stunning sets (including a big surprise at the Museum of Natural History). Along the way, the men's stories intertwine with three leading ladies, played by seniors Coral Serrano Bennitt, Patricia Liu, and Keah Lonergan. In addition, more than 50 other students fill the cast and ensemble roles."We try to cast shows with as many leads as possible and to always put on a big production that has everybody on stage as much as possible. We have kids dancing in the aisles and dancing everywhere we have room for them," said Cartisano.

"We try to cast shows with as many leads as possible and to always put on a big production that has everybody on stage as much as possible. We have kids dancing in the aisles and dancing everywhere we have room for them," said Cartisano.Roding directs songs and dance for all students, from experienced to beginners. As well as being dance corps members, student dancers Tom Quagliano and Julia Grimm (juniors) are featured in a "dream" sequence. Feathered into

Roding directs songs and dance for all students, from experienced to beginners. As well as being dance corps members, student dancers Tom Quagliano and Julia Grimm (juniors) are featured in a "dream" sequence. Feathered into On the Town are many more dances to Bernstein's memorable music written for ballet and tap. Expect some stage-shaking, full-cast tap scenes, too.As always, the show's geared to entertain the entire community and beyond, Cartisano added.

As always, the show's geared to entertain the entire community and beyond, Cartisano added."This show is appropriate for a 1st grader or a 90 year-old. We never change the story, but we always make sure we present it in a way that's appropriate for the entire community to enjoy."

"This show is appropriate for a 1st grader or a 90 year-old. We never change the story, but we always make sure we present it in a way that's appropriate for the entire community to enjoy."

On the Town runs March 17, 18, and 19 at 7:30 p.m.; March 20 at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and March 21, 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 student/senior citizens; $15 adults. On opening night only (March 17), student tickets are $5 and patrons can participate in a St. Patrick's Day Raffle with prizes from Lenny's Indian Head Inn, The Crooked Shillelagh Pub, and Tommy Sullivan's Café. For tickets call 203-315-7998, ext. 2500; for more information on the show and a complete cast list, visit www.thechoirlobby.com.

Vote for your favorite local merchant's "sailor" below or to take the "Crack the Code Challenge" to win free tickets to the show, map found on thr right in related links.