High school musical is delicate balancing act
By CHELSEA ARNHOLD
MHS student reporter
What? The musical? In the fall? In order avoid the conflicts of forensics and music festivals in the spring, it was decided to try having the musical in the fall. Not that there aren't conflicts now.
Cast members are involved in every sport and activity in school, not to mention holding down jobs.
More than 20 percent of Marion High School students will be involved in the production of "Annie Get Your Gun."
Practices are scheduled between sports and other activities. Students in the play have to be dedicated and disciplined, staying eligible, getting all homework done, and memorizing lines.
"Memorizing lines is just like doing any of my other studies, but this is the fun part," said Megan Helmstead.
This year's cast includes Joe Svitak, Megan Helmstead, Josh Fruechting, Eric Smith, Justin Brookens, Chelsea Arnhold, Nikki Moody, Erin Fruechting, Megan Whitaker, Tyler Miesse, Karson Craig, Tyson Heidebrecht, Mike Brookens, Eric Steiner, Trevor Jones, Patrick Becker, James Davis, Torey Hett, Tim Schuler, Roxana Covarrubias, Sarah Davidson, Hannah Eis, Briana Vogel, Renae Lundgren, Rebecca Savage, Michelle Miesse, Kathrin Lange, Christine Schwarz, Johanna Pape, Katie Whitaker, Amy Park, Rose Taylor, Lena O'Connor, Ranell Schroeder, and Rachel Davidson.
Casting was a difficult task. "We had 29 girls who tried out for two parts," said director Janet Killough. "There are so many people having their hearts set on [the parts] and I know I can't give them to all of them."
She wishes she could leave casting to someone else. "I HATE casting!"
Somehow Killough and music director Adam White have managed to squeeze in practice with the cast three or four nights a week.
Students are allowed only three excused absences. Excused absences include being absent for a school activity or illness. That list does not include their jobs, being too tired, or going shopping.
"The next best thing from being on the stage is directing the ones on that stage," said White. He and Killough feel all their efforts are worthwhile in providing entertainment for the community when the curtain opens.
Killough started directing the musical in the late 1980s. She loves this opportunity to guide her students through dramatic acting. White started directing musically in the spring of 2001 when he helped with the production of "Oklahoma." This will be his third feature musical for MHS.
"Annie" has great, fun music according to White. The well-known songs by Irving Berlin include "There's No Business Like Show Business," "Doin' What Comes Natur'lly," "I Got the Sun in the Morning," and many more.
"We have entered the musical in the Wichita Music Theatre Award Program," said Killough. There are about 20 categories such as best show, best actor, actress, etc. Representatives from "The Jester Awards" will come to watch and judge during a performance.
Obviously, the finished product involves hundreds of hours of work which includes not only music and regular practices, but set construction, costumes, publicity, lighting, choreography, and orchestra practice.
Many people are already working to make "Annie Get Your Gun" a fun and memorable experience. Admission is free and performances are set for Nov. 15 and 16.
