Jerri Brouse is a freelance writer and photographer who lives in Lewisburg and enjoys attending various area musicals each year. “There is such incredible talent in the Valley!” She can be reached at scoop@ptd.net.
JOVE GRAHAM REVIEWER
Jove Graham is an actor, director and board president of the RiverStage Community Theatre. After getting a degree in theater, he graduated from the Arden Professional Apprenticeship and has been active in many community theaters.
CINDY O. HERMAN PREVIEWS
Cindy O. Herman lives in Snyder County and looks forward to writing about local high school musicals. “Our student actors rock!” Email comments to her at CindyOHerman@gmail.com
ROBERT INGLIS
CO-ORGANIZER/VIDEOGRAPHER
Robert Inglis has been working as a photographer at The Daily Item for more than 20 years and is a Rochester Institute of Technology graduate. He has been working on Valley Musicals since its inception.
LISA Z. LEIGHTON REVIEWER
Lisa Z. Leighton is a full-time marketing director with a passion for musicals! She looks forward to attending high school musicals every year and they never disappoint. “You are all shining stars!” Email comments to lisazleighton@yahoo.com.
KYRA SMITH-CULLEN
CO-ORGANIZER/WRITER
Musical enthusiast and Applause/deputy news editor at the Daily Item, Kyra Smith-Cullen can often be found with a tune on her tongue and a song stuck in her head.
Who could ask for more?
There are frequently times when I wish I could clone myself, and it happens more often during the Valley Musicals season.
Once the directors announce the show and run dates, I get extremely envious of The Daily Item photographer and my Valley Musicals co-organizer Rob Inglis because he gets to record footage and get a sneak peak of all the shows. I’m also pretty sure Rob and our preview writer Cindy O. Herman both wish they could clone themselves at this time of the year, especially when we have what I internally dubbed “Mega Musical Weekends” like we did this year. We had a combined total of nine schools in our coverage area schedule their productions either for the week of March 13 or April 3. If I thought he’d take me up on it, I’d volunteer to swap next year.
One of my favorite things to watch is people doing something they love and that is something in abundance at high school musicals. I love seeing students throw themselves in a role, losing themselves in a character that they spent hours perfecting. I got to see plenty of examples this year, as I went to four schools’ productions for our “From the Audience” features. If I had a clone, I would have gone to all of them, but fortunately, I have wonderful contributors such as Jove Graham, Lisa Z. Leighton and Jerri Brouse to help me.
“From the Audience” looks a lot like a review, and I myself call them reviews in person for simplicity. I’ve seen criticism that we’re doing reviews and I’ve spoken with a director who was leery about them for understandable reasons — the students are still learning their craft and could still be trying to find their confidence. But I have a clear distinction between reviews and “From the Audience”:
KYRA SMITH-CULLEN Valley Musicals/Applause editor
Reviews would imply that there was a critical element to them, which isn’t what I want.
When I watch a high school musical, my focus is never on what went wrong (because it is the nature of live theater that some elements can’t be controlled) or what could be better. I’m too caught up in the determination and passion evident to dwell on a dropped mic pack or a missed step. I’m too amazed by what staging and lighting tricks a school has done to immerse the audiences in the world they created. I love gushing to other people about something a show does really well — like the fact that Danville created a two-story boat that broke apart so they could stage different scenes in separate compartments or that I almost got a crick in my neck because I was so thrilled to be staring at ceiling to see the shadowy silhouette of the Wicked Witch of the West writing out “Surrender Dorothy.” I couldn’t even pick a favorite between the two iterations of “Mamma Mia!” that I went to, because they each put their own stamp on it, like Selinsgrove’s astounding chair routines or Southern’s visual gags.
At the end of the show, I can relate to the feelings that I imagine many students have: The pride of trying your best and the satisfaction of knowing you gave it your all. How could we ask for anything more?
So there will be no criticism from me. When I look at that stage, all I can see are young actors and crew members who did something wonderful.
Danville cast challenged themselves
with ‘anything goes’
STORY By Cindy O. Herman and robert
inglis
Danville Drama Club
Director Aubyn Johnson wanted audiences to enjoy a night of classic humor and madcap shenanigans when they attended the spring musical “Anything Goes.”
“The show is full of fun twists and turns and has stood the test of time as being one of the Golden Age musicals that can still be enjoyed almost 100 years later,” he said.
Kyla Brookhart, who played Reno, said the club chose the show because the cast wasn’t really familiar with dancing and they thought it would challenge them.
“Dancing was the most challenging part, I think,” she said. “We’ve never had to do this much dancing in a show, but now that we’re at the other end of it and we know our different numbers, I think it’s most of our favorite parts.”
Even the stage crew enjoyed the dancing.
“Watching the dance numbers from the wings (was my favorite part of live performances),” stage crew member Elliot Heim said.
FROM THE AUDIENCE
of “Anything Goes.”
The cast was full of star performers, delighting the audience with their characters and slapstick comedy. Kyla Brookhart embodied the bombshell Reno, her voice full of verve and bravado — her sultry confidence throughout the performance made her comedic moments shine even brighter. Brookhart’s dynamic voice was a lovely comparison to Hope Harcourt actress Grey Jenkins, whose soft and sweet singing truly solidified the character’s role as a gentle debutante. Audiences could tell why Gavin Holcombe, as Billy Crocker, was enamored by her. Holcombe managed from being a gigantic ham trying to hide his identity to a sincere sweetheart in seconds, a talent equal to his vocal chops when he went toe to toe with Brookhart in The character work done by Samuel Keebler as Lord Evelyn, Elyse Spahr as Erma and Benjamin Crane as Moonface Martin was fantastic. Their exaggerated dialects — impressively maintained even during the songs — elicited laughter constantly, even when they weren’t centerstage. There were quite a few instances where their barbs and witticisms were audible among the ensemble, further delighting the audiences.
Equally impressive as the acting was the dancing. It was hilarious to see how Keebler’s small movements in larger numbers led to his wild gyrations and over-the-top routine in “The
to proving why the ‘reeling-in-a-fish’ dance maneuver is comedy gold. The cast performed several tap numbers, allowing their fancy footwork to shine with a level of co-ordination and skill that showed the long hours put into rehearsal. It was the energetic dances featuring the entire cast that really helped to emphasize the more subdued, elegant routines. When Jenkins and Holcombe were shadowed by the two pairs of dancers in “It’s De-Lovely,” it captured the mystical and romantic feel that define classic Hollywood musicals like “Anything Goes.”
The costuming was great, using nautical themes and period pieces to add to the realism of the production. Seeing small elements such as oversized hats and ill-fitting pants being used to expand the comedy was great. But one of the most amazing elements of the musical was the cruise ship set. I was fully expecting it to simply be a facade that — while still crucial for Scooby-Doo-esque hi jinx where characters chase each other through doors — remained stationary. But watching the set separate into capsules to create individual rooms was a terrific surprise. The sheer size of the piece meant that some of the less dominant sets, such as the Wynner’s Lounge and the Cruise Ship Jail were smaller they were equally effective at conveying the atmosphere needed.
— Kyra Smith-Cullen
Danville Area High School students proved why the classics never go out of style with their hilarious production
Gypsy in Me” — kudos
PHOTOS BY ROBERT INGLIS
Danville Drama Club chose the classic production “Anything Goes” for its spring musical.
lewisburg
students put their mark on ‘shrek the musical’ roles
STORY By Kyra Smith-Cullen
When Lewisburg Area High School musical director Sarah Tiede decided to do “Shrek the Musical,” its comedic elements were a huge factor.
“A factor is always the students who will likely be involved and I knew Shrek would be fun for the ensemble members as well as the potential leads. We have a number of students who have solid comedic timing so I knew a show like Shrek would be great for that reason,” Tiede said.
Rae Morgan, who played Donkey, grew up watching Shrek on Netflix and was thrilled at the announcement for her final high school production.
“I knew all of the songs and lines by heart even before we started rehearsals,” Morgan said.
While both Tiede and Morgan were excited for the production, the realization of how good it would be didn’t occur to them until some of the more visual and audio elements get involved.
“There is something about completed sets and costumes that really help bring out the energy from the cast members and the
Lewisburg Area High School students had a lot of fun with “Shrek the Musical.”
excitement is palpable,”
Tiede said. “I knew that the hard work everyone had put in was going to make for a beautiful show!”
For Morgan, that recognition came when she watched the Freak Flag dance number with everybody in costume and in character.
“Everyone was just so in it, and they were putting their all into dancing. It made me proud,” she said.
Clara Graham, who played the Shoemaker’s Elf as well as other ensemble characters, said she knew how good the show was going to be during one of the last dress rehearsals.
FROM THE AUDIENCE
The students of Lewisburg Area High School took audiences on a musical journey to the woods, swamps and castles of fairy tales with their outstanding production of Shrek the Musical this year. Under the direction of Mrs. Sarah Tiede and music direction of Mr. Jonathan Walz, the cast and crew helped kick off the high school musical season with this fun and polished production the week of February 27 to March 1.
Shrek the Musical opened on Broadway in 2008 and is of course based on the DreamWorks Animation films and William Steig’s 1990 book. It tells the story of Shrek the ogre, his new friend Donkey, and their quest to save Princess Fiona from her tower, outwit Lord Farquad, and find a new home for the fairytale creatures who have been displaced to his swamp. The lead roles of Shrek, Donkey and Fiona were played by Paul Tranquillo, Rae Morgan, and Mae Haussman, respectively. Their humor, chemistry, and vocal performances were impressive and all three undoubtedly served as good role models for the rest of the performers in the cast. Justin Sabo provided wonderful comic relief as Lord Farquad,
performing most of the show on his knees to accentuate the character’s diminutive stature, and Isabella Fleites-Cipriani was impressive as the Dragon with her powerful singing voice and elaborate, gigantic costume (thanks to costume leads Mrs. Pat Musselman and Mrs. Cyndy Shaffer). There was also a huge ensemble cast of fairy tale characters (spearheaded by Ian Cavanagh as Pinocchio), dancers, guards, skeletons and villagers, which filled out the world of the show and made every number fun to watch. As always, sophisticated choreography by Mr. Alfonso Parker, Jr. and Mrs. Tiede was impressive, particularly with tap dancers in “Morning Person,” Duloc dancers in “What’s Up Duloc” and the huge, upbeat ensemble number “Freak Flag” in Act 2.
The stage design led by Mrs. Tiede (with help from students and parents) featured a tall storybook tower for Fiona, Shrek’s swampy house, the dragon’s underground keep, and many other exotic locations, enhanced by the scenc painting work of Ms. Beth Amy O’Connell. Congratulations to all on this energetic, funny, and high-spirited production of Shrek the Musical! — Jove Graham
PHOTOS BY ROBERT INGLIS
Line mountain
Team works magic with ‘the wizard of oz’
STORY By Kyra Smith-Cullen
Line Mountain Director
Kaitlyn Troutman decided growing up that she was going to be involved in a production of “The Wizard of Oz” at some point in her life and, thanks to the Line Mountain School District, she made it happen.
“When I had the opportunity to become the director of the musical at Line Mountain this year, I knew this would be the perfect opportunity to perform this show,” Troutman said.
Brookelyn Zartman, who played the Scarecrow, called the musical “a truly magical production to be a part of.”
“I had never fully watched the musical and had only seen the movie, but it was still one of my favorites. I was immediately on my computer, researching different songs and roles hoping to get a good part,” she said.
Though this was Zartman’s fifth musical, it was the first time she’s played a lead character. She said there is definitely a difference between being a lead and a supporting character, whether it was pressure or the amount of time she put into the role.
FROM THE AUDIENCE
Mountain director Kaitlyn Troutman said in the school’s program that “The Wizard of Oz” has long been a favorite of hers and, with a cast and crew as talented as Troutman is passionate, its easy to see why the musical was a success.
Kendal Heim’s rendition of “Over the Rainbow” was delivered so wistfully, conveying the longing with sweet yet strong notes. She did a great job of portraying Dorothy’s character growth, aided by the camaraderie she had with her fellow cast members. The Tin Man, Scarecrow and Lion truly embraced their roles as well, perfecting their mannerisms to the delight of the audience. Brookelyn Zartman, as the Scarecrow, was wonderful at moving with a certain floppiness during both choreographed numbers or simply when walking, stumbling and staggering around the stage. It was a great counterpoint to Mark Carta’s Tin Man — while the role calls for a certain stiffness to portray the character’s constant risk of becoming rusty, it would have been easy to overact and seem too awkward. Instead, Carta delivered the perfect balance. Finishing out the main quartet was Cadence Walshaw as the Lion, who excelled at weaving between the braggadocio of being king of the forest to the over-the-top cowardice the character is famous for.
Rounding out the stars were Breann Reed and Chloe Renard
as Glinda and the Wicked Witch respectively. Reed gave Glinda a gentle confidence perfect for her role. Renard’s fiendish voice and posturing made her a memorable villain, right up until she ‘melted’ in a shower of metallic streamers.
While “The Wizard of Oz” is a pretty equal mix of musical and dialogue, the cast made sure the dance numbers enhanced the production. Whether it was for smaller numbers between the core four actors, or the group pieces like the Munchkin Land and Jitterbug performances were well-choreographed. The show also featured spotlight moments for more graceful, elegant dancers. Line Mountain is an excellent example of simplicity strengthening a project. They cleverly manipulated the lighting and costumes to deliver impactful effects — when in Kansas, the characters primarily wore browns and yellows and used sepia lighting to give it an antique tone. When the audiences get a first glimpse of the ‘Wicked Witch’ as she is swept around in the storm, they saturated the stage with a vivid green to capture the villain’s iconic skin. And they utilized more than just the stage, projecting the “Surrender Dorothy” and eerie silhouette of the Wicked Witch’s castle on the ceiling and wall at the back of the auditorium.
— Kyra Smith-Cullen
Line
PHOTOS BY ROBERT INGLIS
Line Mountain scored loads of laughter, applause for its production of “The Wizard of Oz.”
MeadowbrooK christian
Seniors — New and returning — shine in
‘The Wizard of oz’
STORY By Cindy O. Herman
Meadowbrook Christian School director Bryn Rhoades wanted to send a message with the school’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.”
“No matter how far you go or what you do, there really is no place like home,” she said.
Rhoades said they had a blast with the show, with seven seniors in the cast and eight in the crew. Some are experiencing their first theater experience while others are rejoining after a break from theater.
“One student returning to the stage is senior Josh Dugan who is playing the Scarecrow. He took a break from acting last year and was a part of our stage crew,” Rhoades said. “He is returning to the stage for one final show where he will share the stage with both of his sisters, Lauren, playing Dorothy, and Mara (a seventhgrader).”
Joah Robel, a senior who performed in his first musical this year as the Lion, surprised his castmates with his talent.
“When he auditioned, we had no idea that he would come to be one of our favorite parts of the show,” Rhoades said.
Josh Dugan loved seeing Robel come out of his shell in the theater.
“It’s been awesome to be a part
Dozens of Meadowbrook Christian Academy students made “The Wizard of Oz” a magical experience for audiences.
of his first theater experience, as someone who’s been in tons of shows, being able to kind of show him what it’s like to be in a show here at MCS and just have a great time,” Josh Dugan said.
The cast and crew are very close to one another, bonds that grew even stronger during the productions.
Another senior, The Tin Man actor Levi Erb, said he enjoyed being on stage with Josiah Baker (Uncle Henry).
pretty much every scene,” Erb said. “He has the ability to make all of us laugh every time he is on stage, and it is always something different that he is doing to make us laugh. I will miss putting on these productions with him.”
The cast learned to laugh at their mistakes and use it to make a better performance.
Lauren Dugan laughed to recall the rehearsals before students had fully memorized their lines. Their mixed-up words made
everyone laugh hard.
The Scarecrow made Robel laugh when a “stunt double” was trying to teach Josh Dugan how to fall correctly.
“Josh fell off his ‘pole’ and it looked like it hurt really badly, which made a few of us giggle a little bit because he really made the fall look real,” Robel said. “Deep down it was really funny but none of us wanted to laugh too hard because it probably isn’t right to laugh at someone in pain.”
CAST & CREW
PHOTOS BY ROBERT INGLIS
Midd-West
students got a taste of every theater job during ‘Dr. dolittle’ production
STORY By Cindy O. Herman
Promoting their studentrun productions, MiddWest High School had students involved in not only acting but also set building, crew work and even public relations for “Dr. Dolittle.”
Eliana Hartley is the Midd-West Theater Club’s PR adviser who also performed as Straight Arrow and the Court Clerk in the show. Her goal was for audiences to take away the idea of finding your own voice in order to be yourself.
“We have put our blood, sweat and tears into this production, and hope that audiences will understand the true message that the show is trying to convey,” she said.
Carla Wray, 3rd grade teacher and assistant theater director, said the cast wanted to make multiple connections with audiences.
“First of all, one message behind the story itself is that although animals and humans are different on so many levels, humans and animals alike deserve love, attention, and care,” Wray said. “We also want the audience to come away with a new joy and appreciation
Midd-West High School cast made the main character’s exotic friends come to life with puppets in
FROM THE AUDIENCE
When musical season is upon us, students in high schools across the Valley are busy — busy learning lines, busy learning dance moves, busy building sets and learning songs. For months they stay after school and meet on the weekends, taking on everything from painting scenery to sewing costumes. Students at the Midd-West Area High School were no different, except this year’s musical, Dr. Dolittle, challenged them in a most unusual way. Instead of just worrying about costumes for themselves, they were also tasked with creating “intricate and expressive animals.”
The musical tells the story of Dr. John Dolittle, a widowed physician who can talk to animals. Dr. Dolittle is based on the Hugh Lofting’s book series, which started in 1920 with “The Story of Doctor Dolittle.”
While he initially isolates himself with his animal companions, Dolittle is drawn into adventures, including a trip to Africa to cure a monkey epidemic and a quest to find a legendary island with a healing tree.
Luke Knepp delivered a standout performance as Dolittle. He brought warmth, wit and charm to the role. He had a natural stage presence, sometimes making it easy to forget he himself is just a high school student.
Olivia Boritz did a fantastic job in her role as well, playing Emma Fairfax, the woman who befriends and eventually becomes romantically involved with Dolittle. Her performance was poised and confident, capturing both character’s intelligence and determination.
Obviously in a show such as this, using live animals isn’t fea-
sible. And rather than have characters wearing animal costumes, Bren Crossgrove, who played Albert Blossom, said instead the school’s puppets “were made from a combination of foam latex, fabric, and mechanical components to create the intricate and expressive animals.”
The puppets were operated by puppeteers who, Crossgrove said,” used a range of techniques, including rod puppetry and cable control to bring the characters to life.”
It admittedly took some time as an audience member to get used to seeing the puppeteer on stage and not allow focus to be drawn from where our eyes were supposed to be — on the puppet itself. Once the focus shifted, though, it was easy to see how much time and effort went into creating them.
Another interesting aspect of the production was the set design, which, as Crossgrove explained in his note to the audience, was inspired by an ancient theatrical concept. Drawing from the traditions of Ancient Greek theater, the set featured elements reminiscent of the periaktos, a triangular structure that could be rotated to quickly reveal different backgrounds.
This approach not only added a touch of classical ingenuity, but also allowed for seamless transitions between scenes, enhancing the overall flow and efficiency of the show.
As for the musical part of the musical? From solos to group numbers, the cast sang with heart and the orchestra/band supported the singers beautifully. Overall, it was an entertaining evening that showcased the students’ hard work and creativity.
— Jerri Brouse
PHOTOS BY ROBERT INGLIS
“Dr. Dolittle.”
Mifflinburg
team had fun with ‘Nice Work If You Can Get it”
STORY By Cindy O. Herman
Mifflinburg Area High School Fine Arts and Drama Club’s production centered on 1920s prohibition and the shenanigans of high society.
Directed by Meghan Nardella, director of vocal music, “Nice Work If You Can Get It” focused on Jimmy, who must marry “someone respectable” or lose his inheritance, and Billie, a bootlegger who ends up hiding 400 cases of gin in Jimmy’s ritzy beach house.
Sarah Criswell, a junior, played Billie, the bootlegger working with her gang members, Cookie and Duke.
“Billie can go from very serious to very goofy, and my favorite thing about playing her is the goofy moments when I get to let more of my personality out and be free with the character,” Criswell said.
Evan Stimmel, a senior portrays Jimmy Winter, a wealthy playboy “who probably has been with all the girls in his five-mile radius.”
“He’s very comical but also can be very methodical in coming up with a plan even if it doesn’t work — Spoiler alert, it
doesn’t,” Stimmel said. “Jimmy is a lot more serious than my previous roles, and it’s certainly a nice curve ball for my last show. My most favorite part about playing him is all the little tricks he has to do, like tap dancing or dancing on top of a bar.”
Senior Teeanna Fogle plays Duchess Estonia Dulworth, “a self-proclaimed know-it-all who thinks she is better than everyone.”
“She often likes to ruin everything fun, like music, and loves having things go her way. But if I am being honest, she’s just a lonely gal who wants to be loved as much as she loves lemonade,” Fogle said. “I enjoy playing this part because the character herself is way more vocally challenging than what I am used to.”
Mifflinburg Area High School students jazzed it up in “Nice Work If You Can Get
CAST & CREW
Adelynn Bloskey, Adison Hertzler, Ajaxx Gearhart, Alexander Pirraglia, Alice Grill, Amelia Sullivan, Andrew Blake, Ashlynne Sporar, Autumn Shelley, Ava Froese, Ava Stephens, Carlee Susan, Cash Kurtz, Chloe Albright, Chloe Albright, Claire Hershberger, Clayton Plank, Collin Tressler, Dyllon Shay, Ella Gaines, Emily Aikey, Emily Spotts, Emma Hertzler, Emma Steele, Ethan Allen, Evan Stimmel, Gareth Sanders, Glenn Gilson, Harper Walter, Jackson Beitz, James Mabus, Jed Hackenberg, Kambria Kline,
Kamryn Yost, Kira Kopfinger, Kirsten Kuhns, Kyra Zechman, Laila Long, Lillian Stamm, Lily Styers, Logan Showers, Lucy Turner, Maggie Rubendall, Makenzie Hertzler, Mary Turner, Megan Blake, Miller Goodwin, Miriah Fogle, Molly Steele, Morgan Stephens, Olivia Fetterman, Owen Zechman, Rilei Ritter, Sarah Criswell, Sarah Davis, Summer Showers, Teeanna Fogle, Tevy Delsite, Victoria Clark, Violet Harvey Director: Meghan Nardella
PHOTOS BY ROBERT INGLIS
It.”
FROM THE AUDIENCE
Opening night of any show is typically one filled with nerves and more than likely a few mistakes. But if any of the students in the cast of the Mifflinburg Area High School’s Fine Arts and Drama Club’s rendition of “Nice Work If You Can Get It” were nervous, it didn’t show.
“Nice Work If You Can Get It” is “a hilarious screwball comedy that pokes fun at the Prohibition era in a clash of elegant socialites and boorish bootleggers, all set to the glorious songs of George and Ira Gershwin.”
Directed by Meghan Nardella, director of vocal music, “Nice Work If You Can Get It” is centered on Jimmy Winter, played by Evan Stimmel, who must marry “someone respectable” or lose his inheritance. He meets Billie, played by Sarah Criswell, a bootlegger who ends up hiding 400 cases of gin in Jimmy’s ritzy beach house.
Stimmel fit the part of the charming yet clueless Jimmy perfectly. His comedic timing was effortless and he managed to land jokes and physical gags without losing the affable energy that makes Jimmy … Jimmy.
Criswell’s experience (having been in ever musical since 2019) was evident, as she delivered her lines with ease and didn’t skip a beat when it came to the song and dance portion of her part either. She may have been acting on stage, but it’s obvious Criswell
has a sense of humor and is comfortable in front of an audience. Together, the pair had a great dynamic and the audience couldn’t help but smile throughout the evening.
The live music accompaniment provided a fantastic backdrop, bringing Gershwin’s timeless melodies to life. Songs including “Fascinating Rhythm,” “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off,” “Someone To Watch Over Me,” “Sweet and Low Down,” “Delishious” and the title song kept the audience’s toes tapping.
One of the stand-out numbers of the show was “Delishious,” performed by Kyra Zechman, who plays Eileen Evergreen, Jimmy’s betrothed. Center stage in a bathtub filled with plastic bubbles, she knocked it out of the park.
There wasn’t much scenery involved for the play, but the simple set was effective in transporting the audience to the lavish mansion and down to the docks. The 1920s-inspired costumes were both glamorous and fun, perfectly complementing the vintage charm of the show.
It’s always easy to point out specific highlights, but in this case, every student who played a part in bringing this show to life deserves to be congratulated. It was entertaining, fun and full of energy.
— Lisa Z. Leighton
Dyllon Shay, a senior, portrayed a bootlegging butler named Cookie McGee.
“He’s a very comedic character with a little bit of an attitude,” Shay said. “My favorite part of playing Cookie is how I get to interact with the other actors. I fall in love, I make friends and hide from the coppers.”
Senior Kyra Zechman plays Eileen Evergreen, a renowned interpretive dancer.
“I love this role because she is outrageously dramatic and is very different from all the roles I’ve played in the past,” she said.
Slapstick entered dance scenes with Criswell and Stimmel.
“One of my funniest moments has been learning to tap dance with Evan (Stimmel) and accidentally hitting him in the face three times, once with a cane,” Criswell said.
As the stage manager, junior Adison Hertzler takes attendance, works with the cast and crew backstage, and handles the curtain.
“My favorite part of this position would be all the backstage moments that not many people get to see for these productions,” she said. “Of course, being in charge of the curtain is fun too!”
Hertzler also said she loved watching the cast members faces when they realized they were improving.
“My favorite moments would be watching the casts’ brightening faces as they achieve things they’ve been working so hard towards and having all the hard work pay off!” Hertzler said.
From the seats to stages:
School productions serve as inspiration and community for younger students
STORY By Kyra Smith-Cullen
Each year, new people join the ranks of student actors, committing themselves to hours of rehearsal, songs and dance for school productions. At one point, those who got bit by the acting bug have to realize that their time as a high school performer will end.
Christopher Jones, a senior who has been doing Warrior Run productions ever since he was in seventh grade, said he’s done shows both inside and outside school as a way to escape “the crazy world we live in today.
“I knew that this show wasn’t going to be the end of my performing career, but there is just something about high school theater that makes a production so much more fun than a regular production. I have done shows with other theaters outside of school, but I always found high school theater to be the most fun out of all the shows I’ve done,” he said. “The fact that we did Newsies
though, which is probably my favorite show of all time, definitely felt like I went out with a bang.”
Even before some of the Valley stars we see on stage today were performing, they were in the audience, eager for their turn.
“I remember watching these shows when I was in elementary and wanting to be a part of something that amazing,” Shamokin junior and cast member Lisa Woods said.
Her cast mate, freshman Kylee Michel said that while Shamokin’s “Chicago” was the first time she performed in a high school production, she had
worked with Kevin and Sharon Styer — Shamokin’s directors — before and had long wanted to be a part of the school’s program.
“It was something so inspiring that I wanted to be a part of it and get to inspire others,” she said.
Midd-West High School encourages these aspirations by holding preview shows for the younger students, creating awareness that this is an opportunity for them.
“I recall going to previews and being like ‘one of these days, I’m going to do that — I’m going to be up there, singing
and dancing. I’m going to make some little girl in the audience feel so special,’” Midd-West student Olivia Boritz said. She wanted to bring her “Dr. Dolittle” character to life to teach little kids that they “don’t have to be scared and can make magic too.”
These days, there are more opportunities for students to start school productions at a younger age. Shikellamy in 2024 started adding students as young as third grade into their cast list, when director Ellen Boyer worked with them for reasons outside of theater and “discovered a wealth of talent.”
Meadowbrook Christian Academy, Line Mountain and Southern Columbia also have younger students involved, playing ensemble cast members or sometimes larger roles. “We had to explain everything down to the little details of facial expressions, and the bigger things, such as the importance of body movements, projecting, harmonizing, and staying in character the entirety of time they are on the stage,” Line Mountain director Kaitlyn Troutman said about directing new, younger performers this year. More than half of their cast was
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SABRINA DREESE
Third grader Sophia Torres-Dreese portrayed Young Fiona in Shikellamy’s “Shrek the Musical.”
programs inspire all ages
made up of middle schoolers. “We were reviewing these things throughout the entirety of the rehearsal months, but I definitely think all of this teaching will pay off in the years to come as they become the veteran members!”
Even if the high schools don’t cast be-
low ninth grade, more middle schools are taking the opportunity to start drama clubs. Danville Middle School students, for example, started doing productions in both the autumn and fall, most recently bringing the Greek myth of “Persephone” to life in April.
Warrior Run Junior High tackled a comedic take on the world’s most renowned playwright with “Something Rotten Jr.” in February. There are also local groups like RiverStage Community Theatre, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble and the A & B Theater that help kids develop their acting skills at different age levels.
“(‘Shrek the Musical’ was) my third musical at my high school, but I’ve been participating in community theater since I was 8,” Lewisburg junior Clara Graham said. “I’ve always enjoyed being onstage and the theater community — both in an out of school — is one that you won’t find in any other extracurricular activity.”
One of the most cru-
cial things to promoting these experiences are the veteran performers, the ones who remember what it was like to be on stage for the first time and offer their wisdom.
“When I first started participating in the musicals, the older students were like the older siblings that I did not have at home being an only child,” Breann Reed, a Line Mountain junior who was has been performing since she was in sixth grade, said. “Now that I am an upperclassman, I enjoy being that role model for the younger students coming up through the grades, so they hopefully continue enjoying the musical programs.”
Selinsgrove Area High School musical director Rachel Ulsh asks veter-
ans to work along new members in order to be an example and nurture them through the process. She also tells new cast and crew members to pay attention to everything, because they might be called upon in an instant.
“Part of learning is watching and then doing. They are asked to be prepared to jump in whenever asked, which means they must always be ready to go,” she said. “It can be intimidating but that process allows for success.”
Participating at any age requires dedication and determination. As any director, cast member or stagehand will testify, there will be long hours, difficulties balancing school, extracurriculars, family and work. But they’ll just as quickly acknowledge the satisfaction a live audience and the thrill of performing bring. And beyond the high school stage, it might turn into something more.
“Looking back, I’m proud of myself that freshman year Kyla and seventh grade year Kyla stuck it out and it even inspired me to continue doing it,” Danville senior Kyla Brookhart said. “(Danville Drama Club) made me realize that I want to do it with the rest of my life.”
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DANVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL, WARRIOR RUN JR HIGH
Above: Avery Hack and Anistyn Kurzawa rehearse for the Danville Middle School’s production of “Persephone.” Top: Warrior Run Junior High School students perform “Something Rotten Jr.”
Milton
STUDENTS GO OVER THE TOP FOR ‘SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL’
STORY By ROBERT INGLIS AND KYRA SMITH-CULLEN
There’s almost an entire generation with a gut reaction to the phrase “Are you ready, kids?”; thousands of people who mimic the unique laughs of SpongeBob or his boss Mr. Krabs, and scores who will answer a question with a deadpan “No, this is Patrick” — all thanks to a cartoon. Since its premier in 1999, Spongebob Squarepants has brought laughter to audiences and this year, it invaded Valley stages at Milton Area High School.
Director Steve Aguirre knew Milton’s students were capable of the portraying over-the-top personalities required for “SpongeBob the Musical.”
“I had a large senior class full of goofy boys that are cartoon characters themselves. So the choice felt natural,” he said.
Even before rehearsals began, Aguirre knew the musical was going to be good.
“Miles Brown had the perfect SpongeBob voice, Sean Nolder had the perfect Patrick voice, Delaney Bottorf had the perfect Sandy voice, Elias Franciscus had the perfect Krabs voice, and so on,” he said. “It almost
FROM THE AUDIENCE
“Are ya ready, kids?” The students of Milton Area High School were definitely ready to go under the sea and have a blast with Nickelodeon’s “The Spongebob Musical” which made audiences laugh and be delighted by the antics of SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward and their friends.
Directed by Mr. Steve Aguirre with music direction by Mrs. Brandy Aguirre, this was a great show that performed at Milton High School the weekend of March 28-30.
The Spongebob Musical based on the popular cartoon series tells the story of a lowly fry cook, SpongeBob SquarePants, and his friends as they are forced to save their town of Bikini Bottom from an imminent undersea volcanic eruption. With the help of scientist/inventor/squirrel Sandy Cheeks, SpongeBob and his best friend Patrick journey to the volcano and manage to save the day, with lots of musical interludes along the way. The title character of SpongeBob was played by senior Miles Brown with senior Sean Nolder playing Patrick and junior Delaney Bottorf playing the role of Sandy; this trio set led the cast and were featured in many solos, duets, and trios throughout the shows. Other cast members included senior Levi Shamblen as Squidward — whose extra two legs in his costume made for a fun character quirk and were featured in a spectacular dance number “I’m Not
a Loser” in act two — and senior Jonny Austinson-Loss and sophomore Vivian Bell playing the ‘supervillains’ of the show, Sheldon J. Plankton and Karen the Computer, respectively. Their evil schemes and humorous repartee provided some great added comic relief in a show that is already full of laughs and funny characters. Spongebob is an unusual musical because all of the songs were written by different pop/rock artists, and this cast did a terrific job handling such a diverse range of musical styles. Favorite songs included the opening “Bikini Bottom Day,” “Chop to the Top” and the finale “Best Day Ever,” but every song had something different to offer and sounded fantastic.
The show had a large ensemble cast of colorful characters, and the group numbers sounded great and looked great thanks to choreography by Ms. Katie Conklin. The set, led by Mrs. Karen Bottorf and Mr. Dan Ricci, was simple and straightforward with a few moving pieces like SpongeBob’s pineapple house and the Krusty Krab restaurant covering most scenes, but then also included a giant multi-story volcano that was most impressive. Overall, this was a fun, uplifting show, and congratulations to the cast and crew on The Spongebob Musical! — Jove Graham
PHOTOS BY ROBERT INGLIS
Milton Area High School students took audiences to Bikini Bottom in “Spongebob the Musical.”
CAST & CREW
Ace Bell, Amaya Knelly, Anthony Dozier, Aurianna Nolder, Brayden Fazler, Brianna Holovich, Brookelyn Bobb, Brooklyn Teran, Camryn Hoover, Carlie Dauberman, Claire Dick, Colby Noll, Delaney Bottorf, Draven Snyder, El Burns, Elias Franciscus, Ella Swanger, Gabrielah Heckman, Irene Dick, Jax ValladaresQuinones, Jayda Ramos, Jonny Austinson-Loss, Levi Shamblen, Mackenzie Dries, Mackenzie Schutt, Madeline Watkins, Miles Brown, Olivia Hauck, Piper Wygal, Sean Nolder, Sebastian Kneasel, Spencer Hutton, Theo Tilman, Trenton Zechman, Vayda Smith, Zach Murray.
Director: Stephen Aguirre
felt too good to be true!”
Besides the characters, the musical is full of color and energy, and some unusual wardrobe pieces — like Levi Shamblen’s extra set of legs for his Squidward costume.
“(Having four legs) is a bit of a learning curve,” Shamblen said. “It is not easy to dance in four legs. It is a whole different game.”
Aguirre said “SpongeBob” needed a lot of stuff, which was one of the biggest challenges he faced.
“SpongeBob requires a lot of props, costume, temporary set pieces. Just a lot of stuff. Finding
all those things, or having them created, is always a challenge,” he said.
The cast and crew bonded over rehearsals, sharing laughs at improvised scenes and committed to putting on the best show they could … together.
“It’s not just you. When the lights come on, you know someone else is running those lights. And when your mic is on, you know someone else is running your mic,” Bottorf said. “There’s back-up for you at every step. You mess up a line? Doesn’t matter. There’s a million people working
to help you.”
Aguirre said he hopes the community understands how difficult it is for students to put themselves out there in a production.
“Theater is one of the hardest activities you can take on in a school setting; it’s why so many students are scared of it.
‘Oh I could never sing by myself in front of a crowd,’ et cetera. Many of my best performers were once someone who’d say that,” he said. “High school theater is about personal growth and discovery. These students are better for it.”
MOUNT CARMEL
students take on ‘joseph and the amazing technicolor Dreamcoat’
STORY By Kyra Smith-Cullen
Like the coat itself, one of the benefits of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is the variety it offers.
In the same show, students tackle songs and choreography that range from the rockabilly number “Song of the King” to the power ballad “Close Every Door to Me” to western tone of “There’s One More Angel in Heaven.” Its physicality challenges many a performer, making it a good choice for a cast to test its endurance while providing audiences with a fun show.
“I think the biggest challenge was physical endurance. There are several high energy dance numbers in the show, a few that are one right after the other,” Mount Carmel Area musical director Brandon Mowery said. “Being able to sing at a high level and dance at a high level was very difficult for some of them at first, but the energy from the crowd really helped them do their best.”
Mowery chose “Joseph” because many of his students
FROM THE AUDIENCE
Congratulations to the students of Mt. Carmel Area High School for their dazzling and ambitious production of the wellloved musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Under the direction of Mr. Brandon Mowery, with orchestra directed by Mr. Bernard Stellar, this solid and enjoyable production delighted audiences the weekend of March 14-16.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is an allsinging musical originally conceived and written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice when they were schoolmates in 1968. With the help of a trio of Narrators, the musical reimagines the Biblical story of Joseph, one of twelve sons born to Jacob, and the challenges he faces when his jealous brothers steal his multi-colored coat and banish him from their homeland. Framed as a story that is being told by the Narrators to a group of small children, the musical takes the audience through all of Joseph’s adventures and a wide variety of musical styles and genres, with sometimes delightfully silly lyrics. This cast was led by Skyler Weber playing Joseph and the three narrators played by senior Ava Carnuccio, Nevaeh Katalinas and Ava Skavery, all of whom had terrific stage presence and strong voices to keep the audience entertained throughout. Kudos also go out to Mr. and Mrs. Potiphar, played by Yadiel Alicea and senior Francesca Ventilli, and senior Geoffrey Catino, doing a great Elvis Presley impersonation in his role as the
Pharaoh. There are so many catchy tunes in this musical, but the entire cast including the large ensemble of brothers, wives, and choir children, are to be commended for doing such a wonderful job bringing these delightful songs to life. The large group numbers such as “Jacob and Sons,” “Joseph’s Coat,” “One More Angel In Heaven,” “Go, Go, Go Joseph” and “Benjamin Calypso” were particularly enjoyable, and so were solos such as “Close Every Door” and “Song of the King.”
Choreography by Mrs. Allison Mowery was fun to watch, and no small feat for a show such as this one that is entirely musical numbers and no regular dialogue; the students and their choreographer are to be applauded for keeping the beat and movement going through the show without a stop and including the youngest children’s choir members, too. The set design and construction, led by Aaron Mowery and Nick Inverso II was versatile and clever, with removable panels transforming a central set piece into different locations (including the Pharaoh’s palace with lots of fun hieroglyphs and other symbology decorating the place) and modular pieces like Joseph’s jail cell taking the audience from location to location throughout the story. Congratulations to everyone at Mt. Carmel for this engaging and strong production of Joseph! — Jove Graham
PHOTOS BY ROBERT INGLIS
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” challenged Mount Carmel student cast.
hadn’t heard of it and he wanted to offer something different.
“I wanted to do my job as an educator share with them something really great other than what they may see a bunch of other schools and theaters doing,” he said.
The students didn’t shy away from the physicality of it, throwing their hearts into it. In the end, one of the most high-energy numbers — the Megamix, which is a mashup of all the highlights of the show to recap the production at the end — was a favorite among students and staff.
“My favorite moment was probably the Megamix, it was a very high-energy, summary of the show,” Skyler Weber, who played the title role of Joseph, said.
Weber said he and his cast mates improved so much from the beginning rehearsals to the end result.
“I realized the show was going to be good when we got our mics and I could actually hear every one,” he said.
As other elements such as lights and costumes were added, more students got excited.
“Once everything was incorporated with the crew and everyone had their ducks in a line, I knew that people would love it,” Ava Skavery, one of the three narrators, said. “I knew that every single rehearsal from here on out was going to be like doing the show”
The students in the narrator role had the additional challenge of serving as a bridge between the cast and the audience.
“My biggest challenge personally was stepping into a role where you were in the show but not at the
Hunter Lebo, Isabella DiToto, Isabella Jakuc, Izabella Zerbe, Jack Darrah, Jaiden Guzman Davis, Jeffrey Jeune, Jennifer Andress, Jillian Kerstetter, Jocelyn Kerstetter, Jordan Pitcavage, Kyliee Tyc, Lucas Lubinski, Madisyn Yost, Maia Williams, Mario Ouardi, Markus Mendler, Melissa Torres, Mikayla Howerter-Deitz, Nathan Flores, Nevaeh Katalinas, Nico Nestico, Noah Hardy, Oakes Nestico, Peyton Marshalek, Rebecca Conley, Sadie Winnie, Samantha Spickler, Sara Deitz, Sara Williams, Skyler Weber, Summer Tyc, Trenten Peters, Virginia Croker, Yadiel Alicea Director: Brandon Mowery
same time,” Narrator Ava Carnuccio said. “The narrators in the show could interact with characters at times but also be able to break the fourth wall and directly address the audience, it was very confusing knowing where to draw the line between audience and character interaction or how we could react to certain scenes. In some scenes the characters are in shock or surprise whereas the narrators already know what’s happening so we can’t react with the rest of the cast.”
“As a narrator, it was difficult to incorporate the feelings of, ‘I’m watching this and I know what happens’ and ‘I need to make it interesting and act with the crowd.’” Skavery said.
On the opposite side of the coin, Carnuccio said being the narrator gave her the ability to truly make the role her own.
“You could give the narrator your own quirks, flaws, habits, add in any little personality traits you really wanted,” she said. “Sure, you’re given lines on paper but when it really came down to it the paper never told you how to deliver the lines, that was all up to you.”
Those decisions were some of the most rewarding ones for her when it came to the live productions.
“It’s really comforting to have a part of the show or certain action be your idea and the audience actually finds it funny,” she said. “It’s one thing to have Mr Mowery approve of your idea, and another for the audience to find it humorous too.”
CAST & CREW
A. Max Kenawell, Abby Troxell, Abby Watkins, Addi Hartman, Addy Smith, Alaina Geesman, Audrey Bucher, Avery Ruch, Brie Ulp, Cami Veliz, Chase Buehler, Cheyanne Quackenbush, Chloe Brunetto, Cole Orner, Courtney Kline, Dakota Thomson, David Webb, Dylan Wolfe, Elise Zimmerman, Ellie Schaeffer, Emily Aikey, Emily Robbins, Gavin Hare, Georgia Ward, Hailey Beaver, Hannah Paulhamus, Hendrix Corbin, Jazzy Walters, Jenna Kratzer, Joseph González, Julia Kline, Leah Mitterling, Leah Wright, Lila Mohr, Lomond Rodgers, Maggie Brackmann, Malachi Snyder, Mason Vasquez, McKenzy Rinker, Naomi Neiman, Nate Orner, Nicole Webster, Nora Klinger, Olivia Paladino, Quinn Stanford, Raymond Sterner, Riley Hunt, Sam Haak, Taylor Wright, Troy Solowy, Tylil Bey, Violet Hummel
Directors: Rachel Ulsh and Jay Muller
Stanford said his favorite ABBA song is SOS, which he loved performing with co-star Elise Zimmerman every show.
“The song is perfect for (Sam and Donna’s) push and pull love relationship, and the ending harmonies are gorgeous,” he said.
Stanford said the directors wanted he and Zimmerman to focus on that dynamic of always trying to outdo the other and get the upper hand in the relationship.
“It really added depth to our characters,” he said.
Throughout rehearsals, there were moments when Ulsh and Muller saw flashes of how good “Mamma Mia” would be when it was finally performed live.
“There were glimpses of great things happening and plenty of other moments in which we needed to reteach or re-evaluate. But those teachable moments led to something great,” Ulsh said.
Stanford said seeing moments when the characters shone through during rehearsals, thanks to Muller’s choreography and Ulsh’s singing lessons, made the process just a little more special. Adding in the costuming, the hair and the makeup really helped cement the excitement for him.
“We were finally the people we needed to be and had just gotten that extra level of characterization now,” he said. “Overall, the whole process really sealed the
deal on how great of a show it was.”
When it came time to live performances, Buehler was most excited about his family getting to see him in action, especially since it was they who had encouraged him to audition this year. He and his aunt used to go to musicals together, including Selinsgrove’s most recent productions of “Shrek the Musical” and “The Little Mermaid.” This year, he
decided it was his turn to try out.
“(My family) never really got the opportunity to see me on stage before and they were very excited,” he said. Next year, he said he will definitely be doing the musical again. “As a senior, it will be my last show but also it should be a pretty awesome show. I can’t wait for what Mr. Muller and Mrs. Ulsh cook up for next year.”
Shamokin
cast, crew pull off Another showstopper with ‘chicago’
Story By Kyra Smith-Cullen
If there was ever a musical that encapsulates the thrill of being a star, it’s “Chicago.”
The heat of a spotlight, the heady sound of applause and the power of a showstopping number are intoxicating elements, able to boost morale and cure nerves – especially for some members of the Shamokin Area High School cast.
“My favorite moment (during live productions) was the loud applause on opening night when I was finishing my song,” Autumn Peifer, who played Matron Mama Mortan in the show, said. “My biggest challenge (during rehearsals) was singing in front of people because I’ve never sang in front of so many people but I came out of my shell quick and sang like no one was there.”
Director Kevin Styer chose “Chicago” because he knew the program had the cast to produce it but wasn’t sure who would audition. In the end, fans of both “Chicago” and the Styers – Kevin and his wife Sharon, who also is involved in the district’s theater program – were excited for the chance to be involved.
“’Chicago’ has always been one of my favorites and when it was announced, I knew I had to audition,” ensemble performer River Snyder said.
Lisa Wood, who played Hunyak as well as performed in the ensemble said she was “ecstatic” when the musical was announced.
“The producers always know how to assign characters perfectly so when we started vocal rehearsals and everyone began to play the parts of their roles, I knew this was going to be an amazing show,” the two-time musical veteran said.
One of the biggest challenges Kevin Styer had in preparing for the musical was the large set they created, which featured a rotating stage and positioned the orchestra about 8 feet in the air on stage.
“There were a lot of pieces to the puzzle,” he said.
But when it came time to rehearse with those elements, it helped cement their progress to the cast.
“(Rehearsing with the turning stage for the first time) was the first rehearsal where it really all came together,” Kylee Mitchell, who played Liz, said. “Before that day, it felt like I was just practicing and having fun with my friends and at that moment, I thought ‘We really are doing this as a show in front of a crowd.’”
Amos Hart actor Bennet Elio said seeing the completed set made it all come together for him.
“It becomes really easy to get into character when you actually feel like you’re in the environment with real characters, especially with the way our set was designed,” he said.
The director said the cast really jelled well together and were doing full run-throughs of the show about three weeks before live performances, adding to the casts’ confidence.
“I feel like the moment I realized our show was coming together really good was when we were finally doing our full runs and we were able to see
everything come together with the singing and dancing and all the lines,” Emma Boyer, who starred as Roxie in the production, said. “Everything just came together into a perfect puzzle.”
After all those rehearsals, there’s an immense satisfaction to performing the final product and feeling those long hours pay off.
“On the opening night of Chicago, the very end of my song, ‘Mr. Cellophane,’ made the entire four months of production worth it. It’s easily a memory that I will never forget,” Elio said.
For Snyder, her favorite moments from the live performances were the jury scene each night.
“It took a long time to put together and get timing right but I think we pulled through and gave it our all. Each time Ronin (Billy Flynn) gave his speech about Emma’s (Roxie) innocence, I always played out my sadness. It was to the point where it was funny, if the chuckles of the audience had anything to say about it,” she said. “There was also something so empowering to be the one to say Roxie’s verdict. Having all eyes on me, before being interrupted by a reporter. It’s overall such a great scene.”
CAST & CREW
Abbigail Long, Abby Lowry, Alaina Combs, Alaina Humes, Aubreeann Yost, Autumn Peifer, Bennet Elio, Chayse Willier, Cooper Rossnock, Courtney Leiby, Ella Stoshack, Emma Boyer, Eviya Philhower, Gabriel Gillam, Gracie Scicchitano, Jasmine Bodiford, Jasmyn Post, Jaylen Zink, Jazlyn Twining, Jess Hadfield, John Shepard, Kara Smith, Katie Schaeffer, Kendra Jones, Kendra Magee, Kylee Cunningham, Landon Swinehart, Lisa Wood, Madison Anderson, Madison Roman, Makayla Eyster, Makiya Zaleskie, Mia Anderson, Mia Joseph, Molly Kurtz, Molly Roman, Nadia Williams, Nathan Erdman, Noah Allison, Noah Kerstetter, Raven Dudra, Richard Jilinski III, River Snyder, Ronin Elio, Rylee Bickert, Samantha Krajewski, Thomas Kleman, Tyler Kerstetter, Tyler Ladd, Violet Sienkiewicz Director: Kevin Styer
PHOTOS BY ROBERT INGLIS Shamokin Area students brought the glitz and grit of the 1920s to life in “Chicago.”
Shikellamy
students, volunteers had fun staging ‘shrek the musical’
STORY By Kyra Smith-Cullen
It can sometimes take weeks into rehearsal for cast and crew to stop and think about the enormity of what they’re about to do, and how good the show has become, and that was no different for the cast and crew of Shikellamy’s “Shrek the Musical.”
Brody Thompson, who played one of the dwarves, said he knew the show was going to be good during dress rehearsal.
“When we were doing dress rehearsals when I saw all of the characters in costumes and props. I realized that the show was going to be amazing,” he said.
“Seeing the costumes and the set being made was when I started to realize the show was going to be bigger than I could imagine. Micah and Antonio rehearsing as Shrek and Donkey was also another huge moment that made me so excited for what was to come,” Sophia Torres-Dreese, who played young Fiona, said.
For Micah Shively, who played Shrek, that moment of realization came during tech week when he saw all the elements together for the first time.
“Everyone was having fun, and the sets looked incredible,” he said. “But the thing that said ‘We have a show’ the most was Mrs. Boyer and the theater parents cheering after the ensemble numbers. That is very rare and was a sign that we had made something very special.”
It turns out, the physicality of playing an ogre was a challenge, even for a theater veteran like Shively.
“Shrek is a bigger character than those I have played prior. The physicality was a challenge to get right, on top of the fat suit and layers of costume I had to wear,” he said. He joked that taking the costume off was his favorite part of the live performances.
The costuming challenges extended to Samuel Albertson, the
FROM THE AUDIENCE
The students of Shikellamy High School Theatre brought the “big, bright, beautiful world” of Shrek The Musical to life during the weekend of April 24-27. Under the direction of Mrs. Ellen Boyer, this production featured a stellar high school cast, as well as some very young students as well, and gave audiences a great show to enjoy.
Based on the DreamWorks movie, Shrek follows the adventures of the iconic green ogre, his friend Donkey, and Princess Fiona as they escape a dragon and thwart the plans of the tiny Lord Farquad and his guards. In this production, senior Micah Shively starred as the titular Shrek, with senior Cynette Winston as Fiona, and junior Antonio Charriez as Donkey — this trio had wonderful voices, great chemistry, and exceptional comedic timing that entertained while setting a shining example for the rest of the performers, too. Another standout performer was junior Jace DiPerna who provided lots of comic relief as the villain Lord Farquaad, thanks in part to his costumes with tiny little legs and the excellent choreography (led by Miss Elizabeth Pope and Theo Light) that had him hopping and dancing around the
stage among his taller compatriots. The show was full of catchy tunes and highlighted some very strong soloists as well as the large, talented cast of storybook characters like Pinocchio, Fairy Godmother, and many more — some particularly well-executed songs included “I Know It’s Today,” “Morning Person,” “Make a Move,” and “Freak Flag.”
The set design, led by Mrs. Beth O’Connell, Mrs. Joanna Shively, and Mr. Ryan Albertson, provided the perfect background for this fun, fairytale musical, with locations such as Shrek’s swampy hut, the enchanted forest, and Farquaad’s Palace, but perhaps the most impressive set piece was the gigantic dragon with glowing eyes and movable mouth that could roam around the stage, while junior Rose Hoover in a separate costume provided her singing voice. Bold choices like this and other little touches truly made this production a Shikellamy original and lots of fun for the audience! Congratulations to Mrs. Boyer, the cast, and everyone in the Shikellamy High School Theatre for this fantastic production!
— Jove Graham
PHOTOS BY ROBERT INGLIS
Shikellamy students of all ages came together for “Shrek the Musical.”
third grader who played young Shrek.
“I had to wear a full cowl and it was a lot of time to get into the make up every night to only be on stage for a few minutes as young Shrek,” he said. The best piece of advice he got was to “use wipes to get the makeup off my face!”
Cast members credited director Ellen Boyer with helping them create their characters and perform better.
“Mrs. Boyer told me that when I’m singing, to remember princess Fiona is sassy, fierce and confident and believe that I am actually Princess Fiona trapped in a tower hoping that I will FINALLY be rescued today,” Torres-Drees said.
Sam Wolfe, who played Mama Bear, said “Shrek” was her 8th and final show at Shikellamy.
“I have always trusted Mrs. Boyer with directions and she gave me the confidence to sing and dance,” she said.
Shikellamy created a showstopper piece in the form of a massive dragon and many people involved in the production loved the puppet and the reaction it caused.
“She was a beast to build, She was one of the first pieces we started and the last piece to be finished. She really was the ‘it takes a village’ project of the show,” Renee Albertson, one of the parents who helped
build and coach the students, said. She credited her husband Ryan, other students’ family members and the building team with helping her create the dragon. But it was worth it.
“(My favorite part of live performances) was the audible gasp from the audience when the dragon appears for the first time on stage. It didn’t get old, even on the 4th show,” she said.
The audiences reaction to the performance thrilled the cast and crew.
“They got all the jokes we threw at them, danced along to some of the numbers, and cheered at moments in some of the songs. That made it such a fun experience,” Shively said.
CAST & CREW
Aaden Hoover, Aaron Graby, Adela McGinty, Adisyn Wise, Alaysia Karschner, Alex Hem, Allison Brosius, Allison Hanes, Antonio Charriez, Ben Laubach, Brody Thompson, Charlotte Renn, Chase Bilger, Chris Winston, Clara Chiboroski, Cora Hoover, Cynette Winston, Daniel Shellenberger, Dason Parr, Egan Shimel, Elizabeth Furr, Evelyn Johnston, Fae Rose Specht, Fox Laubach, Grace Johnston, Isaac Bickel, Jace DiPerna, Jackson Karlovich, Jayden Sanders, Jennalyse Guerrero, Jeremiah Albertson, Jesalene Guzman, Kallie Fisher, Kaydance Bellve, Kieran Balliet, Laura Chiboroski, Laura Shearer, Micah Shively, Naomi Shively, Nora Chiboroski, Olivia Sanduta, Persia Fausey-Khosraviani, Peyton Bilger, Peyton Wiest, Rose Hoover, Sam Wolfe, Samuel Albertson, Solomon Burgos, Sophia Torres-Dreese, Theo Light, Wyatt Sloan, Zach Hanes
Director: Ellen Boyer
Southern Columbia
Kids learned what it takes to be a dancing queen in ‘mamma ‘mia!’
STORY By Robert Inglis and kyra smith-cullen
While ABBA’s music alone is enough of a challenge, there are a few Southern Columbia ENCORE members who might tell you that singing it while dancing adds a whole other level of difficulty to it.
“My personal biggest challenge during this musical was keeping up with such high energy dances while exhausted,” Sadie Boucher, one of the actresses who played Lisa in Southern Columbia’s “Mamma Mia!,” said.
Michaela Williams, one of the two actresses who played Tanya in the double-cast production, said only a few of their performers had taken dance before.
I think we only had 4-5 people in our cast that actually take dance lessons or did dance in the past,” she said. “It was rough learning choreography but practice makes perfect and we pulled it together.”
Once the students got the hang of the dance numbers, they built up their confidence.
“We started off rocky in the beginning but once we got the dances down and started singing during the dancing, everything started to come together,” Braylon Feese, who played Pepper, said. “Once we added costumes and then got off book, I really saw all the potential and knew this show was going to be good.”
Still, nothing prepares students with the perils of live performances and so they have to think on their feet to incorporate any unexpected issues. For Williams, it was those instances that became memorable.
“(My favorite moments during the live performances were) when a few mishaps happened during Does Your Mother Know. To start off, the chair I had to throw Pepper in folded on top of him so he kicked it off stage, later in the song we had to improvise since there was no chair anymore and it was great,” she said.
“Then at the ending pose, my mic pack fell out and started pulling me down while I was standing on one foot and I started falling, but pepper was there to keep me
CAST & CREW
Addison Gajowski, Ainsley Gajowski, Alasia Gaines, Allison Bauman, Andrew Lynch, Aracelis Green, Aubrey Jeffrey, Ava Cole, Benjamin Karnes, Braylon Feese, Casper Woodruff, Cecelia Breithaupt, Dillen Brassard, Elijah Abdill, Ella Hoagland, Emma Unger, Grace Victory, Hailey Gallup, Hannah Reibsome, Isabella Long, Isabelle Honabach, Jackson Pfirman, Jocelyn Rarig, Johnny Barnette, Karley McHale, Kay Hicks, Kayelle Laubach, Kaylee Shingara, Kelsey Ambrose, Kemilyn Hill, Kiaya O’Brien, Kylah Heath, Lana Stank, Larry Kittle, Leah Sheriff, Liam Whitmire, Lillian Hinkle, Lilly Lynch, Makayla Fracalossi, Makenzi Pfirman, Mara Turner, Marisa Rarig, Mason Laubach, Maya Williams, Michael Williams, Michaela Williams, Mya Daubert, Olivia Hagan, Owen Eyer, Sadie Boucher, Saira Sodergren, Sarah Eyer, Sarah Jarrard, Todd Brosius Director: Lexi McWilliams
up. The audience thought it was hilarious at both of these times because we made it worked and improvised.”
Williams was excited when director Lexi McWilliams announced the school was doing “Mamma Mia” because she has adored the show and has wanted to portray Tanya for years.
“I started screaming and jumping for joy,” Williams said. “I actually wanted to do this show last year, because this is my favorite musical ever. When I heard we
were doing this, I was so surprised and I couldn’t be more happy.”
Feese also joined because he loved “Mamma Mia!” and friends encouraged him to try out for his first musical.
“It ended up being the most fun I’ve ever had,” he said.
Boucher’s favorite moments came when the audiences reacted to the jokes.
“Knowing that they are enjoying the show makes us want to do better and put in 100%,” she said.
PHOTOS BY ROBERT INGLIS
Southern Columbia students added to their choreography skills with ‘Mamma Mia!’
Warrior Run
team got the entire district involved in ‘Newsies’
STORY By Kyra Smith-Cullen
School productions often ask for the district’s support in the form of filling auditorium seats and giving young performers an audience. But in Warrior Run High School’s “Newsies,” district faculty members and junior high schooler were asked to get a little more involved — by performing in some of the musical’s smaller roles.
Director Kathryn Stiadle said the move was both her favorite part of the musical and the most challenging element.
“It was challenging to coordinate schedules, but this districtwide collaboration was so fun and tightened our school community,” she said.
Senior Christopher Jones, who played the newsboy Jack Kelly, was honored to help Stiadle cast faculty members in the smaller roles.
“It was really fun to see that other side of our teachers what we most likely wouldn’t have seen if we didn’t have this experience,” Jones said, adding that having them on stage was his favorite part of the live performances.
Including them also gave the main cast an opportunity to share what they learned about being in a play.
“The main cast helped the faculty and younger students find their spots on stage and explained what they needed to do, and I loved watching (the cast) willingly take on that responsibility,” Stiadle said.
“Newsies” was chosen as the spring musical because Stiadle wanted a show that was familiar and interesting to the student body.
“We are still rebuilding our
FROM THE AUDIENCE
What a delight to see “Newsies” come to life at Warrior Run High School – the musical featured accurate period costumes, talented lead actors, synchronized ensemble choreography, creative set design, a live orchestra, and even a few faculty members.
“Newsies” is based on the New York City newsboys’ strike of 1899 protesting the unfair labor practices and newspaper price hikes instituted by newspaper mogul Joseph Pulitzer. A passionate group of street urchins join forces with journalist Katherine Plumber to fight for justice – and they win.
The lead actors shined throughout, crafting believable and likeable characters. Chris Jones, who portrayed newsies leader Jack Kelly, masterfully led the audience through Kelly’s various moods – from artist and dreamer, to rabble-rousing leader, to deflated worker, and back again to confident figurehead. He is likeable because he succumbs to the very real pressures of leadership, but his newsies family is able to bring him back around to his rightful place at the helm.
His two main sidekicks, Crutchie, played by Quentin Frank and Davey Jacobs, played by Brayden Warner, excelled in their roles, especially when Jack needed to be lifted up and inspired himself. You could feel the audience pulling for Crutchie when he was led away to the Refuge, a juvenile detention center, at the end of Act 1.
Alivia Ritenour portrayed strongminded and intelligent Katherine Plumber (aka Pulitzer’s daughter, as we come to find out), supporting the efforts of the newsies despite the “David vs. Goliath” set-up. The solos by Jack and Katherine were aweinspiring and allowed the audience to really connect with the two characters, who had chemistry as partners in their shared fight for a Union and eventually a love match. Their duet, “Something to Believe In” brought tears to the eyes of many parents in the audience.
Carrie Welshans, who portrayed Medda Larkin, a vaudeville performer who provides safe haven to the newsies, almost steals
with her raucous rendition of “That’s Rich”.
Tallent also stands out as Wiesel, a newspaper rep who sells papers to the newsies. Emmett Ranck convincingly portrays Joseph Pulitzer, whose own self-interests and air of superiority make the audience pull for the newsies even more.
Three crowd favorites were the Delancey Brothers, played by faculty members Mr. Brad Pearce and Mr. Kip Hoffman and Mr. Jacobi, played by Mr. Bradley Newlin. The faculty members added a bit of comic relief to several tense scenes.
The set was expertly designed, with glowing street lights that gave a warm feel to the otherwise cold city. The primary set pieces of street-like scaffolding were successful in their design, giving the feel of an industrial and unforgiving city. Scene changes were smooth, quick, and effective in transporting the audience to Pulitzer’s downtown office and a Delicatessen. Lighting was also used effectively, such as the red background light in “The World Will Know” scene where the newsies solidify as a unit and decide to go on strike against the powerful newspaper moguls.
The ensemble’s choreography in “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day” and “One and for All” was tight and unified – like the newsies’ relationships with one another. They often used powerful hand signals, like raising their fists in unison, to show their strength and solidarity. They succeeded in showing the audience that they were akin to a family unit, supporting one another through high and low points.
Costumes were expertly crafted as well – with period costumes in muted colors that included details like messenger caps, suspenders and tall socks. Several key costumes stood out, such as the bold purple designs (complete with feathers!) for Medda and her Bowery Beauties.
The entire cast delivered a powerful message throughout the production – that regardless of age or station in life, the fight for justice and equality is worthy of all.
— Lisa Z. Leighton
the show
MaKenzee
PHOTOS BY ROBERT INGLIS
Warrior Run students told the underdog tale of 20th-century newsboys standing up to newspaper tycoons in “Newsies.”
program after COVID and a number of director changes in just a couple years, so it was important to me to pick a show that students were familiar with and interested in,” she said.
Also a factor in the decision was the fact that she knew she would have a decent number of strong male voices in the cast from the program’s veteran performers.
Mackenzie Tallent, a junior who played Weasel and Slasher, said she was a little hesitant when it was first announced they would be doing “Newsies” because the school typically has more girls involved in the play.
“I didn’t think it was going to be bad, but I was curious to see how it was going to go,” she said. “And then once we actually got to see the set and learn about the characters, I thought it was a fantastic time and an amazing show to do.”
Jones said something that helped him with his role was to find similarities between himself and Jack Kelly.
“(He) was a role that I felt I could relate to in a multitude of ways, so it made it easier to step into his world by finding ways I related to the character,” he said.
Tallent said she had to figure out who she was as a Newsies.
“What am I like? What do I do and how do I fit in with the other Newsie ensembles?” She explained. “It’s just finding a balance and making yourself stand out, but not stand out — finding your own way and doing your own thing but not drawing too much attention to yourself.”
There wasn’t any singular moment of realizing how good the show would be for Stiadle, but instead a number of them where she immediately thought “this is what the show can be.
“Some moments that come to mind are the first time our Pulitzer sang ‘The Bottom Line,’ the first time I saw the intensity in ‘The World Will Know,’ and the first time I heard our Jack sing ‘Santa Fe,’” she said. “Whenever it seemed the cast was just kind of going through the motions, I challenged them to match these moments. By the time we opened the show...they did!”
CAST & CREW
“Seeing the reactions to just about everything — the songs, the dances, the jokes, all of it —
Tallent, who has been performing in musicals since she was in 8th grade, said “Newsies” drew a larger audience than she’s seen.
was my favorite thing (about live shows). I can remember every time we did ‘The World Will Know,’ the applause was so loud and energetic, it was amazing,” she said.
