Baldwin High School Only New York School Among Winners of the National Unsinkable Molly Brown Grant

Baldwin High School was the only New York school to win the prestigious Unsinkable Molly Brown Grant. Following an extensive and competitive application process, 16 schools from across the nation were named recipients of the $10,000 award to produce Dick Scanlan’s revival of the Meredith Willson musical “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.” They join the inaugural round of grant winners announced last year.

The opportunity has been made possible through a collaboration between the Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF), The Music Man Foundation (TMMF), and Music Theatre International (MTI), with the goal to empower theatre programs across the country to engage educators, students, and their communities-at-large. The $10,000 grant will be used towards the production of the Baldwin High School Playhouse’s fall musical, from the set and costume designs to the script rights.

Stage director, Ms. Tricia Wilder, along with the assistant director of instructional programs for the Baldwin Union Free School District, Dr. Gabriella Franza, took the lead in the application process. Any accredited high school based in the United States was considered eligible to apply. Applicants had to demonstrate their “plans to use the work as a tool to engage their school and community in the musical's themes, which include women's and immigrants' rights, community-building, and Molly Brown's civic-minded ‘share-the-luck’ spirit.”

"We are tremendously proud to be among the winners of the Unsinkable Molly Brown Grant, a national recognition made possible by the hard work and dedication of Tricia Wilder, Dr. Gabriella Franza and André Poprilo,” said Dr. Shari Camhi, superintendent of schools for Baldwin Union Free School District. “This is an incredible opportunity for our theater students to showcase the exceptional talent behind Baldwin’s Fine & Performing Arts Department. Receiving this highly selective accolade not only brings prestige to our district but also accentuates the talent, dedication and unique learning opportunities in the Baldwin School District."

Mrs. Wilder also expressed her excitement. “This recognition highlights what I have always known—that our theater students are incredibly talented, and now the world will get to see that, too,” she said.

Making its original Broadway debut in 1960, “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” is based on the rags-to-riches tale of Margaret “Molly” Brown, a boisterous Titanic survivor, who was also a renowned advocate for women’s rights, labor rights, and immigration reform at the turn of the century.

“We were overwhelmed by the response to this grant opportunity,” stated representatives from the three partner organizations. “It was clear that the musical’s themes resonated with students and teachers, a testament to the passion they feel about creating a better world for one another,” continued Matt Conover, Chair of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s board of trustees. “We are thrilled to watch these students not only portray Molly’s life story on stage but also bring her fiery spirit alive in their communities.”

“This opportunity allows us to step outside our comfort zone and take on a show that challenges us in new and exciting ways,” added Mrs. Wilder. “With little precedent to follow, we have the unique chance to make this production entirely our own, setting the bar for schools that follow. I couldn’t have asked for a more dedicated and talented group of students to embark on this journey with, and I know they will rise to the occasion.”

According to Mrs. Wilder, not only is the show a “must-see,” but will “inspire others for years to come…” 

Performances of the "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" are scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 21, 4 pm; Friday, November 22, 7 pm, and Saturday, November 23, 2 PM and 7 PM at Baldwin High School. Tickets go on sale November 1st. For Gold Card holders, admission to Thursday's performance is free, while tickets for Friday and Saturday shows are discounted. All Baldwin senior citizens are entitled to a district Gold Card. Contact the Public Information Office to learn more: 516.434.6014

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See related news coverage:

• “2nd 16 Unsinkable Molly Brown Grant Recipients Revealed”

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• “16 U.S. High Schools Awarded Grants to Perform THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN”

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• "Baldwin High Gets $10G Theater Grant"

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