As Wantagh Middle School theater students prepare for a dynamic musical production, they got some valuable pointers from an expert. Actor Thayne Jasperson visited the school on March 6 to work with the cast of “Dare to Dream Junior.”

The 53 cast members gathered in the auditorium for an engaging workshop with Mr. Jasperson, who is best known for his role in the hit Broadway musical “Hamilton.” He worked with students on their choreography for two numbers in the upcoming musical, “Dig a Little Deeper” and “When I’m Older.”

“Dare to Dream” is a musical revue featuring songs from a century of Disney movies. There are three performances on March 13 and 14. Mr. Jasperson’s visit a week before the curtain opens helped the sixth, seventh and eighth grade students polish their dance moves. They learned how to make their choreography more lively and took away knowledge and skills they can use in future musical productions, as well. 

This was the second year Mr. Jasperson has worked with Wantagh Middle School’s drama students. Director Kristen Fragola said that the cast was excited to learn from an accomplished Broadway actor, who is the only original cast member from “Hamilton” still with the show. 

“The students were privileged to learn choreography from Thayne himself,” Ms. Fragola said, “and watching him choreograph right in front of their eyes was magical. It is an experience they will not forget.”