The Sailors’ Log
FEATURE
Postponed Per formance
Thursday, March 26, 2020 7
Senior Jenna Bitzer, shown here performing in the fall play, has the lead role in the musical Matilda. (Photo by Vaughn Lakatos)
Lead actress remains enthusiastic about musical By Emily Kuznar Staff Writer
PROUDLY PRESENTED BY THE MONA SHORES CHOIR MARCH 26 & 27 AT 7 PM | MARCH 28 AT 2 PM & 7 PM MONA SHORES HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER TICKETS GO ON SALE FEBRUARY 25TH | SHOWTIX4U.COM
While senior Jenna Bitzer will have to wait a little longer than anticipated to be the lead in the school musical, she knows that night will create a nostalgic feeling. “It’s very bittersweet knowing that this is the last time I’ll be on that stage,” Bitzer said. “Over the years, I’ve found a family while doing theater, and it’s hard to realize that it’s coming to an end.” Due to the shutdown of Michigan schools, including Shores, the musical Matilda, scheduled for March 26-28, was postponed. New dates are yet to be set. But when the curtain finally does raise, Bitzer said she will be ready. “I’m really excited for people to experience the magnitude of the show and the effect that it can have,” Bitzer said. “If you’ve seen the movie, the musical really touches on things that the movie doesn’t. This show also has many incredible dance numbers and songs that the audience will definitely enjoy.” Bitzer also notes how she felt after finding out that she was cast as the lead character. “It was very liberating,” Bitzer said. “It was really nice to know that all the work I’ve put in over the years has finally paid off.” While there are always some nerves, Bitzer said she really isn’t feeling too anxious. “This might sound weird to hear, but I’m actually not super nervous,” Bitzer said. “I think everything with the show has come together really well, and I’m confident in this cast’s ability to put on a great show.” When it came to casting, choir director Shawn Lawton said he knew he had to look for the right qualities for some-
Musi cal In fo
Cast Matilda Wormwood – Jenna Bitzer, senior Miss Honey – Sophie Recknagel, senior Agatha Trunchbull – Timmy Schneider, senior Mrs. Wormwood – Malia Swartz, senior Mr. Wormwood – Sebastian Barnett, senior Mrs. Phelps – Emily Mann, senior Lavender – Jessi Lawton, junior Bruce – Laura Schluentz, junior What: Matilda Where: Auditorium When: TBA Tickets: $10 for students and seniors (65+). Adults are $15. All seating is reserved. one to play this demanding role, which requires a British accent. “Jenna is a very deserving senior who fits this part very well,” Lawton said. “Since she is playing a child, we were, of course, looking for a petite person who could pull playing a child. Jenna also has a lovely voice, and she can speak and sing with the proper accent. She also displayed depth in auditions that this character needs. Matilda is a very complex and intelligent child who, at a young age, has had to face many challenges at home. Jenna showed that she could capture these types of emotions in auditions, which were highly competitive.”
Bitzer’s dedication to the choir program has helped her prepare for her role. “I’ve been involved in choir since middle school, and I’ve done most of the Allegrettos’s shows,” Bitzer said. “It was really Mr. Lawton who made me want to keep doing it as a career and in the future.” Bitzer said she fell in love with this role ever since she was cast. “As soon as I looked through the script and heard the music, I knew immediately that was the part I wanted,” Bitzer said. “I love Matilda’s character as a whole, and I was able to relate to her and feel a connection.” Ever since she was cast, Bitzer has put in hours of hard work to fulfill this role to the best of her ability. “In order to prepare for my part, I go home every day and listen to the soundtrack fully,” Bitzer said. “I go through my lines every night because I want to perform as best as I possibly can.” This year’s musical is quite different than ones that have been produced in the past years, Bitzer said. “Obviously, there’s always solos in musicals, but this show specifically is very full-cast involved,” Bitzer said. “There are tons of large group numbers, and it’s very inclusive.” Matilda is a musical that produces many different feelings for people, Bitzer said. “This show really makes people feel something, and that’s what I love about it,” Bitzer said. “It’s really an emotional show that everyone would enjoy. There’s so much time put into this show, from both the cast and crew and our hard work is really paying off.” “I really hope the audience enjoys the show as much as we do,” Bitzer said. “Trust me, it’s definitely worth watching.”