STEPANEK
Play proves to be vocal sucess for student with little experience stevie johnson
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tudents come in and out of the choir room, some leaving school, some staying for practice. It’s 2:30 p.m. “Alright, let’s get started,” says Lorraine Smith. Smith is the choir director for North. Today she’s leading practice for the fall play Little Shop of Horrors. Smith begins playing the piano. You hear a soothing melody as she goes into the theme song. The double trio begins to sing. Little shop, little shoppa horrors. Josiah Carney, who’s been performing since seventh grade, sits in the back, reading over his lines. Josiah, a senior, will play Gravis Mushnick, a Jewish shop owner. Although Josiah has been in numerous school plays, this will be his first time singing. “I encouraged Josiah to tryout. He never considered it before,” director Kathy Carron said. “I had to talk to him first about the character and I’m glad he tried out because it worked out for the best and he is good for the part.” Josiah’s character is a stereotypical boss, always demanding this and that from his employees. Soon, he devises a get-rich-quick scheme and buddies up with Seymour Krelborn, a nerdy orphan working at Mushnick’s shop. Josiah stands up, walks to the middle of the room and joins the scene as the chorus sings in the background of the double trio. Students clear the way. Josiah and senior Eric Peters are the center of attention. Eric will play Seymour. “What did you break now, Krelborn?” “Nothing, Mr. Mushnick.” Josiah mumbles a Yiddish phrase, “Aron g’vorn g’voxen, akebebble, mit tzibeleh. The cast’s attention turns to the leading lady, junior Tori Stepanek. Tori will play Audrey, Seymour’s love interest and co-worker. “So, she finally decides to come to work,” says Josiah. “Good morning, Mr. Mushnick.” “What morning? It’s two o’clock in the afternoon...not that we had a costumer. Who has a customer when you run a flower shop on Skid Row?” “I’m sorry.” They finish up their lines as Amber Rodgers sings her solo for “Skid Row.” “Ladies, all three parts together now,” Smith says. “Guys, come in when it’s your turn. The guys come in singing in a light voice. The chorus comes. “It’s coming together really well,” Josiah said. “People are probably most nervous for me.” Downtown, down on Skid Row... “POOR!” Eric bellows. Josiah laughs and looks over, “I have the voice of an angel.” “Alright, let’s move on,” Smith says. Josiah may laugh, but he’s cringing on the inside. “I’m nervous about singing because I don’t have any singing experience,” Josiah said. “I mean, I think it’s cool - I’ve always liked singing - I just never have done it before.” Eric sings his solo and the chorus joins at the end. “Did someone tell you to go softer there?” Smith asks the chorus. They nod. “Softer - fine. Not confident - not fine.” Eric, Tori and Josiah all practice while the rest of the cast is off to the side. Josiah and Eric begin singing together. Then Josiah sings - alone. He is singing his first solo ever. He’ll think about it. He’ll think about it inside Josiah is holding each note with intensity, as if he’s done it all his life. “OK, that’s good,” Smith says, “We missed a few parts, but we’re good. Good practice today.” The practice ends. “Everyone was expecting a terrible attempt - that I was going to be bare minimum. So when I was actually good, it surprised some people. [But] I like singing; I sing when I’m by myself all the time,” Josiah says. “I’ll always sing.”
page design nicki wittman
STRICKLAND
LENTINI
Above are three of the many cast members involved in the fall musical. Junior Tori Stepanek plays Audrey, senior Bob Strickland plays Orin, and junior Chrissy Lentini is part of the double trio. The North cast of Little Shop of Horrors will be performing on Nov. 20, 21, and 22. Cast and crew have spent the last several months preparing for this production. Tickes will be sold on Mon. during all lunches for seven dollars, or eight dollars at the door. Come see North stars put on their fall play: a story of a man eating plant.
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