April brings new growth, sprouting flowers, warmer weather and high school musical season across Western PA.
The hard work that thousands of students began after Christmas break finally pays off when they get to perform in front of their communities across Pittsburgh.
One of those shows opens Thursday night when Montour High School presents “On the Town”.
“On the Town” is a classic Broadway show from the 1940s that follows three sailors in New York City while on a 24-hour shore leave.
The show is filled with dance, music, romance, comedy and more!
A 1949 movie based on the musical, starred Pittsburgh’s own Gene Kelly along with Frank Sinatra and Betty Garrett.
While rehearsals began in January, Montour’s director Cameron Ashbaugh-McKenzie tells KDKA Radio, the planning began at the beginning of the school year.
“We held an introductory meeting for students and parents at the end of September, where I introduced the show, roles, show dates, auditions, and audition workshops. We then held 3 separate audition workshops, 3 nights of auditions, and a night of callbacks before the cast list was posted mid-December.”
Ashbaugh-McKenzie says he loves seeing how the students come together as a group and learn to work together, dedicating countless hours, while continuing their education during the day.
“When high school musical season comes around, my heart is so full! I’m also immediately transported back to my own high school days and performing with my friends. Theater creates such a sense of camaraderie, and every show you do leaves a distinct mark. Not to mention, I love to see the joy on students’ faces and being able to provide them with opportunities that I was able to experience in the professional world, while ensuring education is always at the forefront.”
“On the Town” opens April 16 at 7 p.m. and runs Friday and Saturday night as 7 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
Get tickets HERE or scan the QR code in the photo below.
On The Town
Montour
About On The Town at Montour:
Montour Theatre Productions presents On the Town, April 16-19, 2026 at the Montour High School Auditorium. The high-energy musical follows three sailors--Gabey (Aiden Valdisera), Chip (Wyatt Bucek), and Ozzie (Jack Bingham)--who arrive in 1940s New York City for a 24-hour shore leave, determined to make every minute count. When Gabey falls for a subway poster of "Miss Turnstiles," Ivy Smith (Jillian Kirkbride), the trio sets off on a citywide search that leads to romantic misadventures, chance encounters, and a fast-paced chase through museums, nightclubs, Carnegie Hall, and the subway system. Chip finds himself pursued by the bold cabdriver Hildy (Adalyn Bell), Ozzie connects with eccentric anthropologist Claire (Abigail Erwin), and Ivy's real life proves more complicated than her glamorous image--especially under the watchful eye of Madame Maude P. Dilly (Aubrey Hinden). Featuring a vibrant supporting cast and dynamic dance ensemble, the production highlights the show's dream ballets and large ensemble numbers that capture the rhythm and excitement of New York City. With music by Leonard Bernstein and book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, based on an idea by Jerome Robbins, the show is directed by Cameron M. Ashbaugh-McKenzie, with choreography by Dr. Amanda J. Olmstead and music direction by Lindsay Bosco. Performances run April 16-18 at 7 PM and April 19 at 2 PM; tickets are available at www.montourtheatreproductions.org.
