By Theresa Derr
Reviews suggest that the SAMS 2024 spring musical “The Music Man Jr” was a success on stage, but what did the performance require behind the scenes?
According to co-sponsor Ms. Birch, much work, time, and effort went into pulling off a middle-school level musical, starting with the casting process.
“From auditions to vocal rehearsals, to teaching the kids how to move and talk on stage, there are a lot of complex layers to crafting a production,” Ms. Birch said.
“Yes, it’s labor-intensive and time-consuming and an enormous undertaking for all of us, but it’s worth it, because the kids create absolute magic on stage, and Ms. Spondike (co-sponsor) and I get to see that magic from the moment it winks into existence. It’s a fulfilling experience.”
Once “The Music Man Jr.” was chosen, students auditioned for a variety of roles based on their comfort levels. Some chose to pursue lead roles while others auditioned for the ensemble cast or stage crew.
Ms. Birch and Ms. Spondike organized and reviewed a week’s worth of auditions before posting a cast list that featured Michael Snyder as Harold Hill and Sydney Huerbin as Marian Paroo. Logan Tepshich earned the role of Marcellus and Livia Ryan was cast as Mrs. Paroo.
Lydia Nelson (Winthrop), Anderson Rea (Mayor Shinn), Markus Conroy (Charlie Cowell), Aubrey Cox (Zaneeta Shinn) and Gwen Colvin (Eulalie McKecknie Shinn) rounded out the featured parts.
Once the cast was filled, the sponsors turned their attention to script rehearsals, which were held three days a week. These practices provided students with opportunities to master their lines and went until 4:30.
Ms. Birch said that several others helped throughout the process, including school librarian Ms. Millard, chorus teacher Ms. Weaver, and Dr. Howard and Ms. Biagiarelli, who provided “unwaivering enthusiam.”
That help and support was needed, because there was plenty of work to do in addition to preparing a cast. During the rehearsals, another group prepped the stage by organizing props, costumes, and set changes. Preparing the visuals for a musical is one of the most toughest challenges the group faced.
Months into the production, the show moved to formal dress rehearsals. Dress rehearsals required the cast to wear their costumes and rehearse the show. These practices lasted as late as 5:30 and acted as the final run throughs before the show was performed on February 9 and 10.
“Because the kids create absolute magic on stage, and Ms. Spondike and I get to see that magic from the moment it winks into existence. It’s a fulfilling experience. It’s hours upon hours upon hours of work – and endless joy!” Ms. Birch said.
Although many contributed to the show’s success, the true stars of “The Music Man Jr.” were the kids.
“They were perfection. I wish I could nominate them for a Tony. The community was abuzz, and Ellen and I could not have been prouder of them. The Shaler theater kids really are the best kids ever. I look forward to watching them bring their talents to the stage for many years to come!” Ms. Birch said.
From the author:
I was part of the ensemble. Everyone was so nice during the process. It’s a great environment for people, no one judged based on your skills and everyone was friendly. I loved being on stage dancing, acting and singing, so if you like doing those things, I think you should sign up next year. It is a great after school activity to do if you have time in your schedule.
Another great thing about this activity is if you don’t like singing, dancing or being on stage you can be a stage crew member. Stage crew is a very important part of the musical because they set up the scenes. If we didn’t have a stage crew, we wouldn’t have a show.
The SAMS Salmon 