FOA gives thanks for a great season in 2019

Atsuko Eck conducts the Saipan Pacific Wind at The Friends of the Arts’ Holiday Concert at the American Memorial Park amphitheater. (Contributed Photos)

Another season has come to a close for The Friends of the Arts with the final performance last June 7 of the Broadway musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

This musical, directed by Katie Hoyt and Harold Easton, was danced and sung by a cast of 36, accompanied by a pit band headed by Atsuko Eck, with four performance at the Hyatt Saipan Regency ballroom

An FOA statement said the musical was well-attended by the Saipan community.

“The Friends of the Arts wishes to thank the Saipan community and its sponsors for their attendance and support during this 2019 season,” the statement said. “The continuing interest of the community in the FOA programs and the support provided by its sponsors have played a key role in The FOA’s ability to support the performing arts [o]n Saipan.”

The first program of the 2019 FOA season was an outdoor movie night, featuring Jumanji, suitable for children and adults. The movie was logistically supported by the Saipan Office of the Mayor.

This was followed by The FOA’s Holiday Concert, a benefit program of seasonal music presented by the Community Choir, directed by Katie Hoyt, the Saipan Pacific Winds, directed by Atsuko Eck, the Mount Carmel School Band, directed by Julian Greening. and the Su-san Band, jointly directed. The American Memorial Park provided their amphitheater as the venue.

The FOA’s first theatrical performance of the year, the London and Broadway musical Peter Pan or The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up, co-directed by Hoyt and Neil Fama, featured a cast of 30.

“This play was also well-received and attended by the community at the outside venue of the Garapan Central Park, with the support of the Division of Parks and Recreation and the Saipan Office of the Mayor,” the FOA statement added.

The FOA’s final two programs were hosted at the Hyatt Saipan Regency ballroom, where classical pianist, Roman Rudnytsky, presented two concerts. As before, during his visit he also went out to the schools and provided music, instruction, and example.

The final show of the year was the popular Broadway musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, an entertaining biblical story.

The FOA board of directors and membership wish to express their sincere appreciation for the continued support and generosity of the community and its sponsors: Angil Design, Brabu Pharmacy, Bridge Capital, Dental Care, Drs. Edgar and Susan Tudor, Everest Kitchen, Fiesta Spa & Resort Saipan, Green Meadow School, Hardt Eye Clinic, Hertz Car Rental, HR Support CNMI, Hyatt Regency Saipan, IT&E, J’s Restaurant, KL Carr Enterprises, Kanoa Resort, Marianas Health Services, Marianas Variety, Paradise Dental Center, Paradise Hotel, PHI Pharmacy, Thompson Law Office, Tom Yum Restaurant, Tooth Works, Saipan TransAmerica, Triple J Saipan, and Yaong Corp. (PR)