Shenandoah Conservatory welcomes Broadway artists DB Bonds, Brooke Engen and Andrew Fitch as guest directors and choreographers for two musical theatre productions in Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre this fall. Bonds will guest direct and Engen will guest choreograph “Legally Blonde The Musical,” running Thursday, Oct. 3, through Sunday, Oct. 6, and Fitch will guest direct and choreograph the university and regional premiere of “Waitress,” running Thursday, Nov. 14, through Sunday, Nov. 17.
“The Shenandoah Conservatory musical theatre department is thrilled to welcome three Broadway veterans to our campus this fall to work with our students and faculty on these productions,” said Director of Musical Theatre, Coordinator of Recruitment for Musical Theatre, Charles B. Levitin Chair in Musical Theatre and Associate Professor of Theatre Kevin Covert, B.F.A. “Their vast knowledge, incredible talents and amazing industry connections are such a gift for our musical theatre students.”
Harold Herman Chair in Musical Theatre, Associate Professor of Theatre and Music Director Patrick Brady will provide music direction for both “Legally Blonde The Musical” and “Waitress.” Both Covert and Brady are also seasoned Broadway professionals.
“I am so honored to be directing ‘Legally Blonde’ at Shenandoah,” said Bonds ’24 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre). “I am a graduate and I’m so proud of the cast that we have assembled. I played Emmett on the national tour of the show directed and choreographed by three-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell. We are replicating the direction and choreography of the original production and I can’t wait for you to see it!”
“Being a guest choreographer at Shenandoah has been a delightfully creative experience,” said Engen. “Working with these talented artists who are committed to developing their craft is very inspiring. I’m honored to be a part of their musical theatre journey.”
“Having worked on the Broadway production for nearly three years, I was thrilled when Kevin asked me to help bring ‘Waitress’ to Shenandoah Conservatory,” said Fitch. “This beautifully crafted show has had a profound impact on many people. I am very excited to work with these exceptional young artists with their first-class training to bring this story to life for Winchester audiences.”
About DB Bonds
DB Bonds has served as Jerry Mitchell’s associate director for 12 years, having been on board with “Kinky Boots,” “Pretty Woman” and “Boop The Musical,” since their inception. As an actor, Bonds starred as Emmett Forrest in the first national tour of “Legally Blonde The Musical,” and was also was Freddy Benson on the tour of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” Other Broadway and national tour credits include “Les Misérables,” “The Phantom of the Opera” and “The Scarlet Pimpernel.” He was also the original standby to Norbert Leo Butz in “The Last Five Years.”
About Brooke Engen
Brooke Engen has directed and choreographed for theatre, television, music videos, live concert shows and digital markets. Choreography credits include the musical parody “Love Actually” (Off-Broadway amd Chicago Company), the unauthorized musical parody “MEG4N” (Midnight Theatre), Barefoot Wine commercials, “Two Step” and “Kentucky Dirty” music videos for Laura Bell Bundy, Broadway Bares Las Vegas, “Hart of Dixie” on the CW, Marvel’s “Runaways” on Hulu, “The Prom” (Axelrod Theatre) and “Legally Blonde” (Cabrillo Theatre & The Lex). Associate and assistant choreographer credits include “Baz” (Mandalay Bay), “Sleepless in Seattle” (Pasadena Playhouse), “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” (Garry Marshall Theatre), “Code Black” on CBS and “Hairspray Live” on NBC. She has also been on the directing and choreography teams for Cirque Holidaze, Ringling Brothers and Norwegian Cruise Line. As a performer, Broadway credits include “Beetlejuice The Musical,” “Hairspray” and “Gypsy.” Other show credits include “Legally Blonde” (tour), “Rock of Ages” (Las Vegas), “Surf the Musical” (world premiere) and “Sleepless in Seattle” (world premiere). TV/film credits include “Hairspray Live,” “Hairspray” movie as Doreen, “Raising Hope,” “Smash,” “Hart of Dixie,” and “Code Black.” Visit www.brookeengen.com and follow @Brookethat for more information.
About Andrew Fitch
Andrew Fitch has appeared on Broadway in the original run of “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” “Chicago” and the 2013 Tony-winning revival of “Pippin.” He was the dance captain, swing and understudy for the Broadway production of “Waitress,” including its return in 2021 for the re-opening of Broadway. Fitch has also performed in the New York City Center Encores series productions of “Follies” and “Girl Crazy,” and has appeared at Radio City Music Hall in the “Christmas Spectacular,” as well as in various regional and touring productions. He holds a degree from Wayne State University in Detroit having trained in theater, music and dance. Fitch has trained and performed at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival under the instruction and direction of mentor Chet Walker. He has also taught various musical theatre and dance workshops and masterclasses around the country.
