Published: February 07, 2010 12:17 pm      

Curtain call | High school thespians prepare for spring shows

JOHNSTOWN — A variety of productions that promise to be entertaining are on tap for area high school stages.

Berlin Brothersvalley

“Grease”

“Grease” is a well-known, rocking musical about teens in love. It’s 1959 at Rydell High, and greaser Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski are in love. They spent time at the beach, but when they go back to school, what neither of them knows is that they both will attend Rydell High. Danny is the leader of the Burger Palace Boys, a group of black-jacketed greasers, while Sandy hangs with the Pink Ladies, a group of pink-wearing girls led by Rizzo. The story follows working-class kids as they navigate the complexities of love, cars and drive-ins. The musical score attempts to re-create the sounds of early rock ’n’ roll with memorable songs and dances.

“The cast of 70 students was thrilled when we announced ‘Grease’ as this year’s production and have started rehearsals with just as much enthusiasm. This show is a great one to feature a multitude of talent from both the girls and guys in the cast with many characters carrying various parts of the show.”

KATIE SPIRI, DIRECTOR

Bishop Carroll

“The People vs. Mona”

Mona Mae Katt, a third-generation Latina-American, owns the Frog Pad, the long-time musical heart of Tippo, Ga., a town in need of a plan to revive itself. She is accused of killing C.C. Katt, a recording studio operator and her husband of 10 hours, by hitting him over the head with her Stratocaster guitar.

She is defended by Jim Summerford, a Southern gentleman who’s never won a case against prosecutor and mayoral candidate Mavis Frye – his fiancé.

“ ‘Mona’ is a very new show, having made its off-Broadway debut in 2007. We enjoy finding quirky diamonds in the rough, and this show will be a sure hit with audiences. The cast and crew will bring an entertaining evening of song and dance straight from Tippo, Ga., to Ebensburg, Pa.”

BRUCE STANDLEY, DIRECTOR

Bishop McCort

“42nd Street”

This is a classic backstage musical set in 1933 and focuses on a young chorus girl, Peggy Sawyer, and her journey to become a star. Broadway producer Julian Marsh has suffered some financial setbacks after the market crash of the Great Depression and needs a big Broadway hit to get him back on his feet. He hopes his next show, “Pretty Lady,” will do the trick. Musical hits include “We’re in the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway” and “Shuffle Off to Buffalo.”

“We are so excited to show off the hard work of our students this year with our production of ‘42nd Street.’ It is a challenging production because many of our cast members did not know how to tap dance before we started rehearsals, and they have accepted the challenge and are exceeding expectations. I think the audience will be charmed with the story, music and performances that the students are giving. The cast includes more than 60 students and a live orchestra."

KELLY MACK, DIRECTOR

Blacklick Valley

“Willy Wonka”

The story of “Willy Wonka” and his amazing chocolate factory chronicles the adventures of a young child, Charlie Bucket who along with four other lucky children have won access to the secretive chocolate factory of Willy Wonka. During their tour through the factory, the children learn many lessons from the mysterious Oompa Loompas about integrity, honesty, compassion, sharing and maturing.

“This show is a chance for us to not only develop our skills in musical theatre but also to impart a message to our audiences. That message is that we need to work to overcome our vices and make amends for the wrongs we’ve done. It’s a message appropriate to people of any age group.”

JESSICA A. STRAZISAR, DIRECTOR

Cambria County Christian

“Welcome to Polly’s”

The dinner-theater drama is about the goings on in a diner. The cast consists of the owner, head waiter, head cook, a young, married pastor whose wife is expecting their first child, a man who is having an affair, truck driver passing through, an elderly man who just lost his wife, the town gossip and a family.

“The play has some humor, seriousness and sadness. At the end they all pull together and are like a family. We will be having a dinner theater at 6:30 p.m. April 30 with a lasagna meal and May 1 will feature a ham entree.”

BONNIE BERKEBILE,

DIRECTOR

Cambria Heights

“The Secret Garden”

Set in the early years of the 20th century, “The Secret Garden” tells the story of Mary Lennox, a young English girl who is orphaned when she is 11 years old and sent to live with relatives whom she has never met. Her own personality blossoms as she and a young gardener bring new life to a neglected garden, as well as to her sickly cousin and uncle.

“Audience members will enjoy the vibrant music and the details in the distinctive accents in this beloved children’s favorite.”

DEBBIE YABLINSKY,

DIRECTOR

Conemaugh Township

“Thoroughly Modern Millie”

This is a high-spirited musical romp that takes place in New York City in 1922. It’s a story of young Millie Dillmount, who has just moved to the city in search of a new life for herself. It’s a time when women were entering the workforce and the rules of love and social behavior were changing forever.

“This production is a musical, comedy, mystery and dance show all rolled into one. Everyone coming to see the show should enjoy this joyful production. The students are working hard on developing their characters. The whole cast is learning to tap dance, some students are learning to speak with accents and some students are even learning to speak Chinese for their roles. This is all in addition to the hard work that they do in learning how to act, sing and memorize their roles.”

JOSH COVER,

DIRECTOR

Conemaugh Valley

“Beauty and the Beast”

The show is based directly on the Disney movie. The musical centers around a beast who keeps a beautiful woman, Belle, in a castle. The beast must win Belle’s love or he will remain a beast forever.

“The music and dance are very challenging. When you add to the fact that 21 out of the 30 students are underclassmen, you have a recipe for the most challenging show we’ve ever done.”

BRIAN EMPFIELD, DIRECTOR

Ferndale Area

“Krazy Kamp”

A comedy by Tim Kelly, “Krazy Kamp” takes a look at two summer camps – Camp Pocahontas, an exclusive resort for young women, and Camp John Smith, which is inhabited by unruly males.

Because the boys’ camp has been declared unfit for habitation, its director asks if his campers can stay at Pocahon-tas while John Smith is cleaned up.

Complications pile up until once lovely Camp Pocahontas is declared unfit by the state inspector.

“This is definitely a farce and a comedy, and the students involved in the play this year fit their parts well. If you want to see a fun, family comedy, this is your play.”

JESSICA SZYMUSIAK, DIRECTOR

Genesis Christian Academy

“The Sneaky Sheik”

A school group touring the Holy Land discovers more intrigue than should be expected when it encounters the Sneaky Sheik’s den of thieves.

The teacher has agreed to carry the Isaiah scroll throughout the group’s tour of Israel, a definite target for the Sheik.

“Our students have experienced the challenge of theater and music during our last musical. They are ready to embark on this new adven-ture.”

LAURENE HARSHBERGER,

ADMINISTRATOR

Greater Johnstown

“Footloose”

This high-energy musical, based on the 1984 hit movie, follows the story of Ren McCormack, a big-city kid who shakes up the status quo in a small town. The music will include many of the film’s original hits, such as “Footloose” and “Let’s Hear It for the Boy.”

“I’m truly excited to be working with so many talented, young cast members. I believe ‘Footloose’ has many fun scenes, but also some tender moments that will reveal the true message of the show.”

MICHAEL D’ANGELO,

DRAMA DIRECTOR

“We had a lot of new students come out this year to join the production with our veteran members. Teaching the music each week is such a fun adventure, I can hardly wait until the performances.”

CHRISTOPHER McALLISTER,

MUSIC DIRECTOR

Johnstown Christian

“Arsenic and Old Lace”

Joseph Kesselring’s comical play is set in the 1940s and features two old women with a disturbing secret. The matriarchs of the town of Brewster constantly contribute to many charities, but when their nephew, Mortimer, discovers a basement graveyard, chaos starts to erupt.

“Each individual in this outgoing cast has a personality that creates a perfect collaboration for such a play that hits on so many topics. One of the most exciting things for the cast is their opportunity to play character roles or a part that is greatly different.”

ANGELA R. GODIN,

DIRECTOR-PRODUCER

Laurel Valley

“Little Women: The Musical”

This musical is based on a book by Allan Knee, with music by Jason Howland and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein. Louisa May Alcott’s classic 1869 semi-autobiographical novel set in Civil War America will be modernized for the Laurel Valley production.

“I know it is a bit of a risk picking a show that’s only been around for five years, but I think audiences will fall in love with this musical. The music and storyline are timeless, and we’ve taken that message quite literally, choosing to stage the production in modern times with contemporary sets and costumes. It brings Alcott’s story into terms that we all can understand.”

CHRISTOPHER McALLISTER,

DIRECTOR

Ligonier Valley

“Pajama Game”

In this musical, a love story blooms between the new plant supervisor and a union representative at the Sleep Tite Pajama Factory in 1954 Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

“The purpose of a powerful musical is to provide the audience with relief from personal struggles and leave them walking out of the theater with a skip in their step. ‘Pajama Game’ will leave you feeling like singing and dancing for weeks on end. ”

JENNIFER HENDRICK,

DIRECTOR

North Star

“The Music Man”

An affectionate tribute to Smalltown, USA, of a bygone era will have fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill conning the people of River City, Iowa, into buying band instruments and uniforms, and Marian the librarian transforming him into a respectable citizen.

“This year, North Star presents its ninth musical. A musical is not as much about the performance as it is about the journey the cast and crew experience in getting to opening night.”

KATHY SHAFFER,

PRODUCER

Penn Cambria

“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”

In this musical, an energetic young man finds a book, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” and uses it to fly up the corporate ladder of a 1959 big corporation.

The story has many surprises and plot twists as well as memorable dance and musical numbers.

“We are coming off a successful performance of ‘Godspell’ as last year’s show and are looking forward to pushing the students to a new, much larger production. I chose this show because the music is lighthearted, catchy and cheerful, and the story is hilarious.”

CARL NEWFIELD, DIRECTOR

Portage Area

“Dancers”

Middy, a wheelchair-bound girl, creates through her imaginative diary a world in which she is “the most splendid of dancers.” Immersed in her fantasy, she interacts with three high school peers, all dancers, to change their lives for the better while her own life crumbles to ruins. A combination of comedy and pathos, the plot dances toward a bittersweet ending.

“ ‘Dancers’ was originally conceived for a cast of all girls for production in my first year as a teacher and drama director at Portage Area. The play is a study of wasted genius.”

FRED A. VRABEL, DIRECTOR

Richland

“Oliver!”

Based on Charles Dickens’ moving tale of Oliver Twist, this musical follows an orphan boy who escapes from the orphanage only to end up in the company of pickpockets.

Classic musical numbers will include “Food, Glorious Food,” “I’d Do Anything,” “Where Is Love?” “Consider Yourself” and “As Long As He Needs Me.”

“Our young performers have been working very hard, learning music, dance and blocking for the production of “Oliver!” This show will certainly bring the classic Charles Dickens story to life on our stage.”

SCOTT D. MILLER,

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Rockwood Area

“A New Experience”

This production will be a collaboration of 16 musicals, combining show-tune favorites from classics such as “A Chorus Line,” “Cinderella,” Kiss Me Kate,” “My Fair Lady” and “West Side Story” mixed with newer musicals including “Beauty and the Beast,” “Footloose,” “Jekyll and Hyde,” “Mama Mia!” and “Wicked.”

There also will be scenes

with dialogue from “Annie Get Your Gun,” “A Little Princess” and “You’re a Good Man,

Charlie Brown.”

“I am in my first year as a choral teacher and was very anxious and ambitious, having been informed no yearly musical was produced at Rockwood. I wanted to re-establish musical theater in the high school. Starting small was my best option, so I decided to put together the collaboration idea of musical scene snippets to feature the talented students of Rockwood.”

JAMES RUDISILL,

CHORAL DIRECTOR

Shade

“CSI: Neverland”

Peter Pantaloon has been miserable and unable to fly ever since someone murdered his shadow. Was it Brenda the somber librarian who despises all things fantasy? Was it Captain Sharp, the one-handed pirate? Perhaps it was the deadly crocodile. The Fairy Police Detectives and their Lab Rat assistants are on the case to uncover the true identity of the shadow-murderer.

“The students at Shade have wonderful comedic abilities. This script leaves plenty of room for improvisation and I’m convinced both the actors and the audience will have great fun during the performances.”

SHARON PRUCHNIK AND LESLIE LABUDA,

PLAY ADVISERS

Shanksville-Stonycreek

“High Society”

The story takes place in New England with a young woman getting ready for her wedding when her ex-husband shows up.

Her father is having an affair with a New York dancer, and a gossip magazine is threatening to release the story unless they can cover the wedding.

“This is the first musical that Shanksville has presented in four years. The students are enjoying the experience. The show is hilarious with some great characters that challenge the students’ acting ability. It is a great introduction to theater for the freshman who have joined the Drama Club.”

JAY SHAFFER,

DIRECTOR

United Area

“Annie”

A Broadway musical based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip “Little Orphan Annie,” “Annie” won a Tony Award for Best Musical.

The story of a spunky 11-year-old orphan and billionaire Daddy Warbucks features songs such as “Tomorrow,” “It’s the Hard-Knock Life” and “Easy Street.”

“The students in the drama club went to see a production of ‘Annie’ at IUP and have been thinking about doing it. We haven’t done a large-cast show in awhile, and they wanted to tackle it.”

RICHARD AUVIL,

MUSIC DIRECTOR

Westmont Hilltop

“Anything Goes”

This romantic comedy is set in 1936 on board the luxury liner S.S. American, sailing from New York to England. The unusual group of passengers includes a gangster, a wealthy debutante and her mother, a nightclub singer and a wealthy New York businessman and his stowaway assistant.

Musical numbers will in-clude “I Get a Kick Out of

You,” “It’s De-Lovely,” “Blow, Gabriel, Blow” and “Anything Goes.”

“Westmont’s talented cast of singers and dancers will energize the stage in the most recent updated revival of the show that was presented on Broadway in 1988. This year’s cast is populated by talented comedians who bring the unusual characters to life.”

ELIZABETH GOOD,

MUSIC DIRECTOR

Windber Area

“Willy Wonka”

The character Willy Wonka begins the show by giving the audience and the residents of the world the chance to tour his candy factory by finding one of five golden tickets hidden inside his company’s mass distribution of candy bars.

Wonka is ready to retire and will choose his heir after one of the winners passes a series of tests during the factory tour.

“My favorite thing about this musical is being able to talk with other people and being around people that are different from me. The most challenging thing for me as an actor is memorizing the lines. I tend to have to memorize a lot of paragraphs and monologues.”

JOSH POLCA, SENIOR

“My favorite part about this production is probably dancing because I have never had a chance to be in a dance class. My biggest challenge for this show is singing. It’s new to me so it is hard.”

KELSEY WALLS, JUNIOR

“My favorite thing in the show is singing, and that is why I joined drama. I just wanted to sing a lot and dance, and it is great because I get to act, too. The dancing is pretty hard, but the more I do it the easier it has become.”

HARRISON OLDHAM,

SOPHOMORE



Davidsville Christian School will not have a play this year, and Meyersdale Area will stage a play in the fall.