Hope Musical Theatre Comments

Would you like to comment on Hope Musical Theatre? Please Email Sarah@HopeMusicalTheatre.com

Fabulous! I really enjoyed it and just loved the costumes and the sets!! Really first class!! WOW what a lot of energy!!! Thanks for the super entertainment... Love to you all,
Maureen (Foster City) 2012 Audience Member

Your camp was fabulous for Jessica, it may well be one of those things she refers to in her later years as a defining moment/experience.
Sheri King (2011) Los Altos

I brought my daughter and her two young children to your summer camp show today and we LOVED it. My dad founded "West Bay Opera" and my mom was the General Director for many years. Having grown up "inside" the makings of an opera company, I have to say that you do a superb job in every single aspect of putting on a show. We loved the genuine, heartfelt spirit of this performance. BRAVO! What more can I say. Thank you and please let us know when and "what" the next show will be. We will be there.
Nicolette Holt (Summer 2011)

I just want to relay to you that Claire had SUCH a good time at your camp these past 2 weeks!! She loved playing all those parts and met so many new friends. I hope you do some workshops during the school year for Oak Knoll--Claire will be there.
Renee Schott - Menlo Park (Summer 2011)

Sarah, I didn't get to thank you personally after my daughter's show (4A). It was such a fun experience for her, and we are so impressed by how you can pull that show together in just a few hours a day for two weeks. My son Patrick is a pit musician for shows in the LA area, and we know the time and dedication it takes for the musicians. Having live music for your shows is just so wonderful! Christina can hardly wait to come back next summer!
Susan Meade - Palo Alto (Summer 2011)

I wanted to drop a note and tell you how thrilled our daughter, Nohemi, was with her experience in Hope Musical Camp. Guy and I were bowled over with what you and the kids accomplish together in such a short time. I hope the rest of your summer was as wonderful as the two weeks we were engaged with you. Thanks so much for sharing your talent and passion with Nohemi, we are already looking forward to next summer!
Beth and Guy Kawasaki - Atherton (Summer 2011)

Just wanted to say thank you for providing my kids with such a great camp experience. Portia and Pierce both said they had a fantastic time and look forward to doing it again next year. Enjoy the rest of your summer and we hope to see you again next summer.
Pearl Chow - Palo Alto (Summer 2011)

I just wanted to say how fabulous the show was last week and what a great time Emma had throughout the camp. She has already requested that she attend it every week next year! Once again, great show!
Lynne Craig (Electric Emma's Mom!) - Menlo Park (Summer 2011)

Wow! Yesterday's afternoon performance was amazing!!!! I am incredibly impressed with how much the kids learned and how professional the production was. My 7 year old daughter Julianna loved it!
Kimberly Birn - Menlo Park (2011)

The performance today was spectacular! You are heading for Broadway!!
Daniel Liebowitz - Woodside (2011)

Thank you once again for a wonderful show on July 8th. The costumes were great, the accompanying band was wonderful, we laughed a lot, and Daniella had a blast in camp!!
Adele - Palo Alto (2011)

Hi Hope - First, my daughter Hannah really enjoyed her experience this year with Hope Musical Theatre (she was in this morning’s Bye Bye Birdie performance). What you accomplish with these kids in ten days is truly spectacular! Clearly you hold them to a high bar and that’s fabulous. Last year, you kindly awarded Hannah the Star Award for her session of The Sound of Music. This year she was honored her art was chosen for the Program Cover. Thanks so much! Hannah’s already talking about signing up for Hope’s camp next year and training to be a counselor. It’s her favorite.
Jennifer Mutz - Palo Alto (2011)

We never got to formally meet, but I wanted to thank you for the incredible experience had by my daughter, Riley (Session 2A - camera crew/phone operator/parent). I have never seen her so happy and excited about a project/experience like this. She danced around the house singing song after song after song, pretended to be Rosie or Harvey Johnson all day, and was generally just on fire about the whole thing. She is very shy/reserved in public and it takes her a while to warm up, but please know that she got so much out of your camp. We will definitely be back next summer. Good luck w/ the rest of your summer!
Stacy - Menlo Park (2011)

Our daughter Kate is absolutely loving camp. We attended one of your performances last summer and Kate knew then and there that she wanted to participate this year. She has loved every bit of the process - and we have loved watching her thrive. She is up early ever morning, dressed in her "Hope" t-shirt and studying her lines. She is teaching us the songs, however, she is keeping the choreography a secret! She is passionate and happy. What a perfect summer experience! We are so grateful for you and your commitment to providing children with this incredible experience. We can't tell you how much she has blossomed over the last two weeks.
Kristin - Menlo Park (2011)

I want to send a big thank you from our family. My daughter, Audrey, was in the morning session these past two weeks. She once again loved the camp, her role, the counselors and you. Fantastic show! You do an amazing job! We will likely see you next summer!!
Amy - Menlo Park (2011)

Thank you so much for the wonderful production today!! Samantha loved every minute of it and it was so fun to see her beaming on stage (and such an incredible improvement from last year)!! You are extremely talented- I don't know how you pulled this all together--it was AMAZING!!! We can't wait to get our DVD :) Please let us know if there happen to be any openings during your last session in August--Sam loved this so much that she would want to do it again! Thanks again. It was a fantastic experience (again)!!!
Katie Belding - Menlo Park (2011)

This is Annie’s first experience with theatre and she HAD A BALL! We look forward to the next workshop! Thank you thank you thank you!
Melanie Wagner, Menlo Park - (2011)

Thanks again for another wonderful show. You certainly have a gift! We were so impressed by what you and the kids accomplished in such a short time. The show was super and the kids seemed like they all had a total blast doing it! I talked to a lot of parents who were so impressed and pleased with the workshop. I know Maggie loved it. Thanks again for all your hard work!
Alli, Hillsborough - (2011)

I am convinced that Hope Musical Theater has changed my childrens' lives. This will be their 4th summer attending and none of us can wait for camp to start again. The discipline, the fun, the confidence-building, the production are all truly incredible, and Sarah I *hope you are very proud of what you have built. We appreciate your building it in our community.
Wendy Thanassi, Portola Valley - (2010)

Our daughter was thrilled to be part of Hope Musical Theatre Summer Camp 2010 these past two weeks and can't wait to come back to Hope next summer! What an impressive show! We thoroughly appreciated the performance, music, sets and costumes and most of all, her genuine enjoyment of the whole experience.
Divya and Arvind, Los Altos - (2010)

Thank you for another magical experience....
Laura Steuer (Hannah's mom), Menlo Park - (2010)

Hi Sarah, I want to thank you for putting on such a great camp. My son Connor really enjoyed session 3B and I just love how the kids got to work on so many aspects of a production. Plus, I was amazed by how fantastic the final show was. Truly amazing for 2 weeks of afternoons - you must be wonderful at what you do!
(2010 SUMMER)

The performance was wonderful. I am always impressed by how supportive the audience is at these shows. I continue to be amazed each year by how the kids can come together to work on a project and feel part of something so creative!
Warmly, Elana, Los Altos - (2010 SUMMER)

I cannot tell you how much my daughter, Kaitlyn, enjoyed camp today. Thank you so much. She's been wanting to do your camp for a few years now and apparently it was worth the wait for her.
Christie Tonsfeldt, Atherton - (2010 SUMMER)

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the most wonderful experience of seeing Ella perform along with all of the terrific actors in your musical on Friday. I'm serious when I say that it has been the #1 highlight of my summer. We are so grateful for the experience. We picked up the movie and Ella has been excited to watch it and recount her memories of the camp.
Kelly, Atherton - (2010 SUMMER)

I wanted to write to you and say "thank you" for offering such a unique camp for children. Our son, Samson Axe, was thrilled to go to camp for the two weeks and loved his role as Rolf for the first afternoon session. We are not sure how you convinced him to sing a solo, but he did it with such great confidence that only was developed through the two week camp. It was a big step for Samson to go to a 2 week musical theatre camp when he thought he would rather be playing lacrosse, soccer, and tennis. At the end of the show he was ready to sign up for next summer.
Thank you for encouraging Samson see a different side of himself.

Fondly, Cindy, Portolla Valley - (2010 SUMMER)

What an amazing organization you have created! Both John and I are truly inspired by the quality of your work and the spirit that comes forth in your students. The performance was professional, exceptionally creative, and quite impressive on many levels. Most importantly, there was an abundance of fun had by all!! Jack and Ellie had the time of their lives and I'm certain they'll be back for more next summer. Please thank your wonderful team for us!
With much gratitude, Mary Lynn, John, Jack and Ellie Fitton - Palo Alto (2009)

Hey had a wonderful time and it is still the highlight of their summer.
Jennifer - Foster City (2009)

Just a short note to say that  morning production yesterday was absolutely superb.  Remarkable that you are able to pull those kids together for such an incredible production in such a short time.  You are truly gifted!!
Barbara Gottesman - Menlo Park (2009)

This was a fabulous production and the children were unbelievable performers. 
We look forward to next year,
Corinne Marcus - Hillsborough (2009)

I’m Caroline’s dad. She had a tremendous time at camp - thanks for giving her a wonderful experience.
J - Los Altos (2009)

She is still singing and reciting lines with gusto!   Thanks for a great summer camp and theatre experience. You're amazing.  Warm wishes.
Michele Wheeler - Menlo Park (2009)

Abby and Sara both loved the camp. We were very impressed with what they learned (Sara - as her first show; Abby - after many shows, she noted HMT was very professional compared to other after school programs she has done).  What are great show and experience!

We expect to be back next year with Sara (2nd grade).  Abby would love to do it again (if you expand to 7th graders).  Thank you.

Jeanne Lowell - Menlo Park (2009)

I just wanted to thank you for the amazing experience Ethan had at Hope Musical Theater Camp.  He was so excited to start the camp, so excited to go to camp everyday and words cannot describe how proud he was of his performance last Friday.  He had 11 fans in the audience and we were all completely blown away with what you were able to accomplish with all of these kids in such a short period of time.  Ethan cannot wait to sign up again for next Summer.

I am looking at the Fall workshops schedule.

Meredith Walsey - Menlo Park (2009)

She had a blast, and we all loved the show.  It is amazing what you could accomplish with these kids in just two weeks, and still make it fun!  This was the best, and most enjoyable, children's theater production I have seen!  And she is still singing and dancing the songs!
We'll see you next summer, if not in the fall!

Best,  Kristen Anderson - Palo Alto (2009)

Thank  you thank you thank you. This was one of the best experiences of Sophie's life - (she was Tessie "oh my goodness, oh my goodness") - we'll be back for more next summer - you were GREAT with the kids Sarah - thank you so much.  please let me know if there's anything I can do for you.
Julie Gerhardt Jacob, Ph.D. (Sophie Jacob's mom) - Palo Alto (2009)

Thank you so much for these pictures.  Mostly, thank you for a wonderful camp and production. Olivia thoroughly enjoyed it, and I was incredibly impressed by what you were able to do in 2 short weeks. The show was fantastic and very entertaining. I have seen children’s productions with more time, resources, and talent selection, but none were as good as this one. Thank you for giving Olivia and all the other kids such a unique, challenging, fun, and growth opportunity.
Gina Jorasch - Palo Alto (2009)

I want to thank you for doing such a fabulous job with the theatre camp. My daughter, Gabi, had the most wonderful experience. I was very pleasantly surprised to learn that she would enjoy acting on a stage. Gabi used to have difficulty just getting up in front of her class to read from a book. This summer, I saw her blossom and become much more self assured as a result of a successful theatre performance. She even said to me, "Mommy, I love acting camp and feel so good about myself."

I can attribute this to your teaching skills and talent. The performance was breathtaking and all of the parents were so proud of their children. Most importantly, the children worked well together to create something wonderful which they felt so good about.
Elana - Los Altos (2008)

Hi Sarah, Thanks for a GREAT camp this summer. My son, Mac, was pirate# 5 and really got so much out of your camp. He came in really lacking confidence and enthusiasm for the theater, and came out of the camp feeling so proud of himself for sticking with it. It was a real confidence booster for him to know that he could get up there and do it, so thanks!
Liz - Palo Alto (2008)

My child enjoyed doing the play so much this summer. I hope you realize what a great experience this is for so many children, especially a child like Isabelle. She has had some difficult health problems and a very tough year. Her doctor recommended drama as a means for her to express herself and because she seemed so well suited to it. Her ability to participate in Hope Theatre and to have lead roles in two productions has helped her self confidence tremendously. Anyway, I have wanted to thank you for a while for creating this delightful camp and for all of the effort you and your staff put forth each time you plan and produce a musical.
Sincerely, Kathleen - Menlo Park (2008)

Thank you again Sarah for the two weeks camp. I am always amazed you can put this wonderful show together in just two weeks. Hope to see you soon in your workshops. Best wishes for the rest of your camp and have a great summer!
Yuxi - Palo Alto (2008)

I just wanted you to drop you a note and let you know how much my daughter Maggie enjoyed your camp for the last two weeks. Every night she would come home and sing, dance and tell me all about her day. My husband and I were thoroughly impressed with the show last Friday…WOW! Your energy, enthusiasm, creativity and professionalism really shine through the kids. We look forward to another great camp session with you next summer!
Regards, Alli - Hillsborough (2008)

Sarah, Thanks so much for an amazing camp this year. You and Cassie do such a wonderful job with the kids. It is incredible what you can do in 2 weeks. Madison learned so much, and is still on cloud nine. She had an amazing time. Thanks again, we look forward to the fall workshops.
Nancy - Los Altos (2007)

i've been meaning to e-mail you with some thoughts about your HMT summer production:

1. kudos! i couldn't imagine how you would turn such a musically-difficult musical into one that children could do. i thought that you did a masterful job.

2. i loved the elks lodge as a hope musical theatre location for the parking, the air-conditioning, the comfortable chairs, and its cleanliness! we've been to three elementary schools and the elks club with HMT and the elks club is our hands-down favorite.

3. this was the first year that we were unable to sign up for your camp without a friend. everything worked out fine for sondrine, however, which is a statement of the community building work that you do with your campers to make them all feel part of the group.

sondrine's favorite part of the summer is your musical theatre camp!

:), kristen (2007)

Sarah, Thanks so much for your energy in directing this summer's production. Martin enjoyed it so much that he is still singing the songs and acting out all the different lines.
Kathleen Mitchel

Hi Sarah - Just want to thank you for all your hard work with the children in musical theater. My daughter Tia joined your 1 week camp this summer and enjoyed herself immensely. Although, she is normally very shy, we were quite surprised to see her open up in the performance! She looks forward to joining your class/camp again in the future!
Sopida

Sarah, I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful job you did with the show. My daughter, Meg, had so much fun and can't wait to do it again next summer. If you do any workshops or shows during the school year, please let us know. I am sure Meg will want to participate! Have a great rest of the summer!
Ann Enthoven

Hi Sarah, Thanks for putting so much energy & time into each session you do with the children. They really love it.
Anne Harrison

Abby participated with Hope Musical Theatre for the first time this year and loved the class, the rehearsals, and the show. The most amazing thing to us was not that she was born to emote (we knew that) but how it motivated her to improve her reading skills as she worked on her lines, her listening skills, and her personal sense of responsibility to Sarah and the others in the group. She can't wait until next year's class and neither can I.
Laura B.

Just wanted to write a quick note of appreciation for the HMT Camp.
Marissa absolutely loved the experience - said it was her favorite camp of all time! She definitely wants to participate again next year. I know it helped to raise her self-confidence and interest in theater and music.

A lot of Marissa's family & friends came to yesterday's performance and everyone was delighted. Bravos to you, Cassie, Kimberly, et al, for pulling together a charming performance.

We'll definitely be signing up for next year's session.
Lisa Hmelar, Palo Alto

Our daughter absolutely shined when she was in the camp's play this summer and cannot wait to enroll again. We feel it is the best summer experience she's had since we adopted her two years ago and wish we lived closer so she could enroll in the after-school camps during the school year. Next summer we'll definitely sign her up again!
Valerie

I wanted to let you know that our kids (Jasper and Darica) had a wonderful time (again) at your summer camp this year. Along with our friends and family, we are always amazed at what a you can do in such a short time. It was a great performance!
Marcus, Sunnyvale

Sarah Hope runs a wonderful after-school musical theater program in Palo Alto. I particularly love this program because the children absolutely love attending every week, the semester culminates in an amazingly fun and professional performance and best of all, all children receive an equal opportunity to perform.

There really aren't any "starring" roles but rather, all of the children have an opportunity to shine both as a group and through individual parts. It is amazing how much is accomplished in such a short amount of time and I feel each child experiences significant growth and overcomes stage fright in a supportive way.

Bella loved HMT - we got the falling grass skirt on video and she thinks it was hysterical! She'll be signing up again! Thanks again for all you do.
Marci Lamb - Palo Alto, CA

Boy: I can't thank you enough for a wonderful 2 weeks for my daughter Kristen Carey. She enjoyed every single aspect of the camp/production. I think we'll be singing Bye Bye Birdie songs for many years to come.

We'll certainly see you next summer.
Lynn Carey, Palo Alto

you are such a great teacher sarah....i loved watching you with regan today....thanks...you work miracles with my kids.
A - Palo Alto

My nine year old daughter, "Optimistic Olivia" came home from the first day of camp so excited and energized by the whole thing. She also noted that you are very stylish, and promptly had me purchase the baseball HMT tee shirt. She is having so much fun with this, and is quite eager to practice her lines as Helen and Ursula. So thank you for a terrific camp, which she has already told us she will do again next year!
Carolyn, Palo Alto

I think Sarah does an awesome job with her wonderful energy. The joy I got out of the last one in itself well worth $500 to me! (even though that was a stretch) Watching my only child grow, stretch, express and just be who she is, is a sheer pleasure. You are giving to them and to their parents, a wonderful gift for what you do!
Sharon Svensson (Palo Alto) - May 2005

Wow - I want to congratulate you on helping the children put together such an amazing performance! You did such a fabulous job of bringing it all together - I know how much work it is! Mackenzie invited some of her friends and I think two of them are "in" for next year! Thanks!
Marci Kay - Hillsborough

I do want to share with you the incredible impact Sarah Hope has on my daughter's life. She has learned to love theatre and performing because of Sarah. She is also inspired to be a director "like Mrs. Hope" when she grows up.
Thank you!
Lisen

My Hope Theatre Class - By Vivian Zhou

To: My Hope Theatre Class Teacher
               who teaches me great songs,
               with love

I go to Hope Theatre every Thursday. It is at my school Hoover. In Room 6 only my friend Jillian and I go there. After the bell to go home rings, we run to Hope Theatre in a hurry in case we are late. In my Hope Theatre class we sing songs, and play games. Sometimes our teacher lets us have a short break. I love my Hope Theatre. I wish I could go there everyday, even on weekends!

Hi!
I was staying at Mary Albertolle's house for 1 week, because I was in Palo Alto with my choir. I was searching for her name at google, so I found this website (I saw the musical 'Annie' on video at their home, so I knew she played in it)!
So... you're kinda international now :P

Sarah
Enschede, Netherlands - Sunday, October 24, 2004 at 11:26:29 (EDT)

I love her class so does my sister!
Katherine Price
Palo Alto, Ca USA - Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 21:57:48 (EDT)

She is the best!!!!!!She said I was Maria from the sound of music it was easy when she was there!!!!!!!
Callie Walker
Palo Alto, CA USA - Saturday, April 17, 2004 at 18:23:31 (EDT)

My daughter has been watching the rehearsals every summer at W.Hayes. Every week she'd ignore her playgroup and just stand by the MP room door totally mesmerized. She's now in Kindergarten and will start 1st grade in the fall She wants to know when she can start! Please contact me with answers.
Katja Broddesson
Palo Alto, CA USA - Thursday, January 22, 2004 at 19:19:10 (EST)

This is a terrific web site. Sarah Hope is an incredible talent and a wonder with children. I have worked with her first-hand and can tell you she has the most incredible energy and commitment to her craft. Way to go, CBG! from Sweater-Boy :-)
Lenny Moors
San Francisco, CA USA - Friday, January 02, 2004 at 03:02:57 (EST)

Working with Sarah Hope has been a treat! She is so talented and cheerful. Someday I hope I can take voice lessons just to hear her play the piano & sing - it's inspiring to be around Sarah.
Clean Web Design Lisa Onizuka
Round Rock, TX USA - Saturday, October 25, 2003 at 18:26:15 (EDT)

Would you like to comment on Hope Musical Theatre? Please Email Sarah@HopeMusicalTheatre.com