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Broadway on the Driveway began in 1995 on 10-year-old Emily Miller's driveway. Inspired by a production of Annie she had seen on the Goldenrod Showboat, Emily posted audition notices and produced her own version of Annie. Her first play commenced with a cast of 15, and an audience of about 30 bribed friends and neighbors. The cast threaded a garden hose through the hems of bedsheets for a curtain, combed the thrift stores for costumes, and baked goodies for intermission treats.
After several years of annual roadblocks, complaining neighbors, and a growing need for Port-A-Potties, the Ballwin police "helped" Emily decide to find another venue for her productions. Several places opened their doors to the cast, including Bluebird Park, West County Assembly of God Church, First Evangelical Free Church, West County YMCA, and The Pillar Foundation. These new locations not only accomodated the crowds, but also provided air conditioning and real bathrooms!
"Going public" created a need for more funds than Emily's pocketbook could support. Her goal of providing family entertainment at no charge was going to be a challenge; then Emily met the Riverblenders, a women's four-part harmony chorus affiliated with The Sweet Adelines International. Through these new friends she learned of a grant from the organization's Young Singers Foundation and was awarded enough money to keep the productions free of charge. Emily's church, West County Assembly of God, as well as a number of small businesses and enthusiastic audience members, also provided support.
During the off season, Emily and her sister Lacy travel near and far performing their popular Broadway-style variety shows. Audiences enjoy familiar selections from years past, tight harmonies, and a full array of costumes. Emily and Lacy's credits include selection as finalists in "Search for a Star" by Tony Award winner Marvin Hamlisch, the Sweet Adeline's International Convention, and work with the St. Louis Muny. Not only do these young performers share a love for music and singing, they also share a love for Christ. They hope to always be a positive influence on other young people by providing wholesome entertainment. Before each show, they pray that God will use them to be a joy and blessing to their audience.
