THE 2ND ANNUAL BROADWAY EXPERIENCE WELCOMES TWELVE NEW STUDENTS

The Doctor Family Foundation continues to make the ultimate, live Broadway experience in New York City a reality for a group of outstanding students!
Charlotte, NC – Twelve industrious and economically challenged students from Charlotte area high schools are about to go on the trip of a lifetime through a Blumenthal Performing Arts program made possible by a generous gift from The Doctor Family Foundation. 
The Broadway Experience trip is March 25-27.  During the expenses-paid trip, participating students will see Broadway shows, get backstage tours and tour New York City attractions.
“The intent [of the Broadway Experience] is to affirm the students in their artistic potential, engage them in numerous aspects of Broadway production and inform them of opportunities available in and through the performing arts,” said Ralph Beck, Blumenthal’s Director of Education.
“The Broadway Experience validates all of my hard work.  It inspires me to do more and I honestly wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.  Every actor wants to be on Broadway and I get to see my dream in action.  So this is just the fuel I need to know that I can do anything if I put my mind to the test,” said Micah Lockhart from Vance High School.
In 2010, the Doctor Family Foundation created the Expanding Horizons: Broadway Experience to provide beyond-the-norm learning opportunities and encouragement for high school students with a passion for the performing arts.  A total of six schools applied for the inaugural grant.  The 2011 adventure expanded the selection process to 45 nominated students from 15 high schools in Mecklenburg, Union and Gaston counties.
The students chosen for the Broadway Experience include Ali Walters from North Gaston High School; Karen Martinez and Rodriquez Bradley from Ashbrook High School; Mandy Waagoner from East Gaston High School; Arielle Taylor from Porter Ridge High School; Brandon Rogers from Central Academy of Tech & Arts; Drew Goins and Jay Poppino from Weddington High School; Jessica Clark from East Mecklenburg High School; Morgan Wilson and Jordan Medley from Northwest School of the Arts; and Micah Lockhart from Vance High School.
Of these 12 students, the Mary Doctor Performing Arts Scholarship Committee will award two students a $10,000 college scholarship each, both funded by the Doctor Foundation.
On Friday, March 25, students will fly to NYC courtesy of US Airways.  That evening, they will be treated to dinner at the famous restaurant, Sardi’s, the birthplace of the Tony Award®, and then they’ll see the brand-new musical “Wonderland” at the Marquis Theatre.  “Wonderland” presents an exciting new spin on the classic story of Alice and her looking-glass world, featuring a modern-day woman who goes on a life-changing adventure below the streets of New York City, where a marvelous cast of familiar characters help her rediscover what’s really important.
On Saturday, March 26, the group will explore Central Park, tour Radio City Music Hall and enjoy dinner at The View, the restaurant atop the Marriot Marquee Hotel in Times Square.  Because the entire restaurant rotates 360 degrees in an hour, students are treated to a panoramic view during dinner.  The day culminates with a performance of “War Horse” at Lincoln Center.  Adapted by Nick Stafford from a novel by Michael Morpurgo, “War Horse” centers on the sale of Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, to the cavalry at the outbreak of World War I.
Sunday, March 27, includes a sightseeing tour prior to their flight home that evening.