This weekend has been so much fun for me and my best friends. We were invited to not just one, but two musical theatre shows. These weren’t your typical high school productions—they were special events that highlighted the talents of our dear friends and their families.
Before I dive deeper into the musicals we saw, let me briefly explain what musical theatre is, for those who may not be familiar. Musical theatre is a form of art that combines acting, singing, and dancing to tell a story—similar to the shows you might find on Broadway. Productions like Miss Saigon and Les Misérables are great examples of musical theatre. A musical show, on the other hand, is typically a concert featuring only music, such as performances by your favorite artist, band, or orchestra.
Friday Night: Young Frankenstein at Montgomery College
On Friday night, we attended the Summer Dinner Theatre at Montgomery College, which is celebrating its 48th year with two productions: Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein and Footloose. We watched Young Frankenstein that evening.
One of my best friend’s sons was part of the cast, so she invited us to see his performance. My friends and I were excited to support him and enjoy a night out.
Young Frankenstein is a musical based on the comedy film by Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder, which was later adapted into a stage production with a book co-written by Brooks and Thomas Meehan.
Tickets were $70 per person and included a delicious buffet and bottomless drinks. We were welcomed by the staff at the entrance and shown to our table. Though the show began at 8:00 PM, guests were asked to arrive at 6:00 PM for dinner.
The food was scrumptious, with a variety of dishes including salad, fish, chicken, seafood, pork, and meatballs. There were only two dessert options—lemon bars and brownies. The lemon bars were so good, I couldn’t help but have three slices! They also offered a wide range of beverages including water, tea, coffee, and juice. An open bar was available for alcoholic drinks, though those had to be paid for separately. 
Some of the actors came out to introduce themselves to the guests during dinner. For those who didn’t purchase the dinner option, doors opened 30 minutes before the show. The stage curtain remained closed until the performance began. One of the head organizers gave a warm welcome speech and recognized alumni who were in attendance.
I don’t want to spoil the show, but let me just say—we had an absolute blast! The production is best suited for mature audiences. Every performer did a commendable job, and we laughed the entire night. My best friend’s son played the blind man, and he was outstanding. We had seen him perform last year, and I can confidently say he has grown into an incredible actor. I’m so proud of him. After the show, we stayed to congratulate the cast. I highly recommend watching this production.
Saturday Evening: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Today, we attended Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Howard County Summer Theatre in their 49th annual production. Two of my coworkers performed in the show, and my best friend and I went to support them. One of them, Terry, has been with the group since 1974. For Stacy, this was her first performance.
Tickets were $20 per person. Unlike the first show, this event didn’t include dinner. It was held at Marriotts Ridge High School. The show began at 7:00 PM, but we were told by our friends to arrive early to get good seats—so we got there at 6:30 PM, and sure enough, there was already a long line. The audience was a mix of children and adults.
Our tickets were collected at the auditorium entrance, and we chose seats along the right middle aisle for a better view. The show started right on time. As the lights dimmed, an announcer welcomed everyone and reminded us to silence our devices and refrain from taking photos or videos during the performance.
I was reminded of the first musical I ever saw—Joseph the Dreamer—which I watched in third grade at the Philippine International Convention Center. My uncle Ananias took us, and I’ve never forgotten that magical experience. Watching Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat brought back those fond memories.
The story follows the biblical figure Joseph, who was betrayed by his brothers out of jealousy over a dream he shared. Sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph’s trials ultimately led him to become Pharaoh’s right-hand man—and in turn, he saved the very family that once betrayed him.
The cast included performers of all ages, from children to older adults. The songs were lively and the performances well-executed. The lead characters and narrators sang beautifully. My friends played Israelites and Egyptians, and it was clear how much they enjoyed being part of the show. I’m incredibly proud of them, and my family enjoyed every moment.
After the performance, we took photos with our friends. They shared that they were sad the production had come to an end, but they look forward to participating again next year if possible.
As I walked through the hallways of Montgomery College and Marriotts Ridge High School, I was reminded of a quote about humble beginnings. I gained a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the performers and production teams. Their passion shines through in every detail of the show. I truly believe many of them have the potential to become great artists.
As someone who finds joy in creativity, I left feeling inspired—not only by the actors, but also by the writers, staff, and crew who brought these stories to life. I will continue to support my fellow artists and celebrate their talents.
“From humble beginnings come great things.”
— Yadin Porter de León
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