After the first school play of the year in the fall, the drama program immediately began preparations for the spring musical, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” The show ran for four days, with the cast and crew opening the curtains for the show on May 18 and the final show May 21.
The process of picking the spring musical involves theater director Dr. Julian Lazarus and music teacher Keith Schwartz. . “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” is a multi-Tony award-winning show that involves humor and energetic dance numbers. “It’s an older show but it is a really good show,” Lazarus said.
The theater department works from 3 to 8 p.m. every school night to prepare for the show, starting in January. The students learn choreographed dances, songs and scene blocking. “There are 145 kids participating in the show whether they’re onstage, in the pit or backstage,” Lazarus said.
Students usually leave school at 2:30 when the final bell rings. For the cast and crew of the musical, however, they leave over five hours later, at 8 p.m.. Rehearsals change daily, varying between dance practice, singing practice and acting. Poms coach Mia Krawczel choreographs the dance routines while Schwartz works with the cast on singing. “Every Monday and Tuesday were dedicated to learning the music while Wednesdays were blocking days, Thursdays were days for tech to build and paint and Fridays were dance days for Coach K who choreographed our dances this year,” senior Sam Rosenzweig said.
The quick turnaround in time from the fall play to the spring musical was only a few weeks, a shorter intermission time than normal. The time for the cast and crew in between shows was about a month, with the closing show for “Radium Girls” in November and musical auditions in December. “I really enjoyed the quick transition into the musical from the play since I enjoy theater so much, it was nice to be able to fill empty time with preparing for the next show,” Rosenzweig said.
Aside from acting, dancing and singing rehearsals, the crew also stays late creating costumes and sets for the actors to use on stage. Painting, building and designing all play a pivotal role in preparing for the opening night. All the sets and costumes are handmade by students in the crew. Parents and guardians pitched in to help. “We do family build days on Saturdays where families come in and parents and guardians can come in and help out,” Lazarus said.
For many kids, the show is not only an after school activity to add to a college application, but it’s a way to make friends. Since the cast and crew spend so much time together they often establish close friendships. “My favorite part was the friends I made along the way. I love my friends and I wouldn’t have known them if it wasn’t for this show,” junior Genna Outland said.
The cast and crew put much effort into the show. “The best part about opening night is getting all the last minute jitters away. And all of it finally coming together for everyone and their families to enjoy,” Outland said.
The show featured upbeat songs and dance numbers. The show was engaging for audience members of all ages despite a three hour run time. Younger kids in the audience grew restless toward the middle of the second act. “I really enjoyed the show. It was pretty funny and entertaining. I thought the singing and choreography was really good,” junior Leah Antony said
For the run of five shows, 955 tickets were sold, averaging about 190 tickets per show. This brought in $6,900 for the theater department. “I’m most proud of seeing everyone come together to create something that we care for and are so passionate about,” junior Lexie Lindauer said.
