“The Man Who Came to Dinner,” this year’s fall play, will debut on November 8, showcasing weeks of the cast and crew’s hard work.
The audience expects a perfect show to entertain them for a few hours, but they oftentimes don’t know how much work goes into a production each year.
“First I pick a show, which there are many ways to do. You factor in the talent you have to work with, or the potential,” director Mr. Matthew Wehr said. “It’s also partly based on what I want to work on; that’s important. I must understand the script first, and see what it will all be like come November. There has to be a flexible plan.”
Auditions were held during the second week of school. Interested students chose and read from a section from the script that was provided to them, while Ms. Mead and Mr. Wehr judged them on their talent or their potential for a certain part.
“I find sections from the script that are convenient and make sense without the student needing to read the entire script. There needs to be just the right amount of time, and enough lines to judge,” Mr. Wehr said.
The auditions were nerve-wracking for some students, especially if they haven’t auditioned before.
“This is my first year auditioning, so I was really nervous, but once I was up on stage, I realized that it wasn’t that bad,” junior Hannah Cassel said. She plays Sarah, the maid in the show.
Once rehearsal time came, it was down to business.
“Well, [the rehearsals] take up your whole afternoon, but it’s worth it because they’re fun,” sophomore Emily Kasarda, who plays Miss Preen, said.
As soon as the set was up and the props arrived, stage crew went right to work.
“[As stage manager], I’m basically responsible for the backstage area, making sure set pieces are moved on and off, and props are in place. During the show I also make sure mics are working, and other small emergencies,” stage manager Ms. Jesse Mead said.
Other huge parts of the show include spotlight operators, soundboard, and lighting. All the hard work the cast puts in still leaves them plenty of time to bond.
“The cast has traditions just like any other sports team. For example, spirit days, late night diner runs, and secretive pre-show rituals,” senior Miranda Rennie, who plays Mrs. Stanley, said.
Once all is said and done, the curtain goes up, and it’s showtime.
“I try to stay focused, and know that I worked really hard and that I’m prepared,” senior Olivia Muth, playing Lorraine Sheldon, said, “whatever happens, happens.”
