Once Upon A One More Time

Fairfax Academy’s Musical Theatre and Actor’s Studio

Photo credits: Heather Regan

Get ready for a new kind of fairytale. When a cast of rebellious characters and the power of Britney Spears result in a musical of epic proportions, what’s not to like?

Once Upon a One More Time at Fairfax Academy’s Musical Theatre and Actor’s Studio was a high-energy spectacle. This incredibly talented cast of students brought their A-game: with tight choreography, powerful vocals, and remarkable stage presence, they transformed the auditorium into a decked-out concert venue. 

Call me crazy, but I was incredibly lucky to have witnessed this intoxicating show. 

Too many Britney puns? 

Oops! 

(I think you can fill in the rest).

The Musical Theatre and Actor’s Studio

Wait a minute… what exactly is the Musical Theatre and Actor’s Studio? Is it a high school class, or is it an extracurricular? 

Actually, it’s a bit of both.

Through the Fairfax Academy program, high schoolers across Fairfax County have the opportunity to enroll in a musical theatre class at Fairfax High School. This year’s academy class has more than 100 students who take a shuttle to Fairfax during the day from over 20 different high schools. 

With four levels of classes ranging from “fundamentals” to “pre-professional,” the Musical Theatre and Actor’s Studio (MTAS) provides a one-of-a-kind learning environment for aspiring performers of all skill levels. Truly, the créme de la créme of high school theatre artists. After an in-class audition process, Once Upon A One More Time’s cast of 40 students only had 5 weeks of after-school rehearsals before opening night. 

This production

Once Upon A One More Time is a Britney Spears jukebox musical, so to match the popstar’s iconicity is quite the task. Luckily for us, with the MTAS director and equally iconic Erich Dicenzo at the helm, the talented technicians and students of Fairfax High School successfully transformed the auditorium into a flashy concert venue.

The whole stage was decked out in a series of colorful lights and aluminum trusses: a concert-esque set that was very reminiscent of shows like Six the Musical. To fit the theme of Once Upon A One More Time, this production’s set also employed a fairytale twist: stone platforms flanked the sides of the stage, and a movable set of stairs created the perfect scene for Cinderella to lose her slipper. Projections were creatively utilized, and whirled the cast from cottages to ballrooms and everything in between.

The characters’ costumes were an equally enchanting sight to behold. Lori Crockett designed a series of contrasting outfits for each princess to fit the story; during act 1, the characters could be seen in their traditional, storybook dresses, but by the time they went on strike during act 2, they’d changed into grungy streetwear. Both costumes reflected the characters’ iconic color palettes, and provided for a real boost of contemporary girl power.

Standout Performances

Headlining the story was Allie Blanchet’s skillful performance as Cinderella. From her first moment in the spotlight, it was clear that Blanchet had stepped straight out of a storybook; even still, she didn’t once shy away from her heroine’s fiery side. Her anger was palpable in “Piece of Me,” as Blanchet powerfully held her own in the faces of her wicked stepfamily.

Itsuko Scoville, who transformed into the role of Cinderella’s evil Stepmother, carried herself with refined dignity and remarkable stage presence. Her hypnotic vocals commanded the stage during “Toxic;” a chilling second act number that leaned into the Stepmother’s maniacal side. Opposite Silas Blocker as the Narrator, the two delivered a truly spellbinding performance. Meanwhile, Caroline Heyerdahl and Scarlett Anthony were never far from making the audience laugh as Belinda and Betany, Cinderella’s ditzy stepsisters. They quipped at each other with impeccable timing, and hilariously snacked on popcorn to bring levity to some of the show’s most riveting scenes.

Ethan Hardy was downright hilarious as the self-obsessed Prince Charming. His every move was storybook-perfect, and coupled with buttery vocals, he brought incredible charm to the role of Prince--until his secret double life came to light. Michelle Stein, Elizabeth Cha, Jane Keifer, Clara Neag, and Saniya Desai filled the roles of Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, the Princess and the Pea, Rapunzel, and the Little Mermaid: Cinderella’s group of girl bosses. They approached songs like “Lucky” and “Womanizer” with pristine harmony, perfectly mirroring the princesses’ synchronized choreography. Even still, each princess maintained their own larger-than-life personality. 

As a whole, each and every musical number brought the bold energy of Britney Spears to life. It was like a series of music videos woven into a story: sharp dance, smooth vocals, and an energetic, expressive ensemble. “Circus” and “Crazy” were particular standouts, and delivered justice to Britney’s hallmark performances; albeit with a fresh fairytale twist, to fit the concept of the show.

Who is it For?

This fast-paced fairytale is perfect for Britney Spears fans, or really anyone who’s looking to enjoy a concert-esque production! It might not have the most intricate or thought-provoking plot in the book, but the messages at the show’s core are incredibly relevant. 

Since the music is entirely Britney Spears, the show’s songs contain some foul language, but apart from a few naughty lyrics, the show is entirely suited for audience members of all ages. Let’s be honest--you really can’t have a Britney Spears jukebox musical without at least one “it’s Britney, b****!” thrown in for good measure.

Considering it’s a high school show, high schoolers were definitely the target audience, but both parents and kids walked away astounded by the professional quality of the production.

Once Upon A One More Time is not just a story; it’s an anthem for anyone who’s looking to rewrite their happily ever after. The show just closed after a two weekend run from January 31 to February 8, and with over 2500 tickets sold, it was the Fairfax Academy’s Musical Theatre and Actors Studio’s most successful production to date!

Visit www.mtasacademy.weebly.com for more information on the program, and how to get involved at the high school level.