Page 5 - Demo

“I’m really, really
proud of this cast.” -Shannon Reid, 11
Shannon Reid, 11, works with fellow juniors Carolina Mangru and Giancarlo Mandato on refining their choreography.
takes far more than some might think upon seeing the final performances. Everything has to be in sync. The actors have to learn their lines, vocals, and choreography, and from the leads themselves to the humblest ensemble member, everyone has to work together to make it a success. On
the acting side of things, the student choreographer and director are Shannon Reid, 11, and Zachary Zelechowski, 12, respectively. Zelechowski is working on The Music Man as part of
year working to make the musical a success from behind the scenes, and he can hardly wait for the week of the show. “On tech, it’s kind of like being in a big, crazy family, with people all over the place working really hard to build the sets for the play,” Johnston said. “We’re all friends in tech, and I’m really glad that I joined! It’s been a lot of fun hanging out with these people every Thursday and Saturday, and I can’t
think of a more productive way to spend my Saturdays.” The pit orchestra, directed by Ms. Jessica Russell, is learning the music to make for a great production. It takes everything working together seamlessly to make a musical a success, and it definitely would not be a musical without the music. Things can be quite stressful for the musicians involved, however. McKayla Keels, 10, is one
such musician who went out for pit. “You’re always trying to match actors who can be unpredictable. Random sections of your music can be cut or added to match the choreography all the way up to the day of the first show. Also, you’re always switching keys and genres, so you really need to pay a lot of attention,” Keels said. “But I love it, it’s the best environment to try a new genre. My first jazz stuff was in a show and it prepared me for Jazz Band, but it wasn’t scary because it was easier than most jazz... and you make close friendships because you
bond over stress.”
Performances are October 26 and October 27 at 7 PM,
and October 28 at 2 PM, in the Merritt Island High School Auditorium. Tickets are five dollars for students as well as senior citizens and ten for any others.
“Bring your friends, bring your family! It’s appropriate for all ages, so please bring your children, bring your siblings, bring your kids you babysit,” Reid said. “You definitely don’t want to miss it, it’s really fun. The music sounds amazing, the actors are doing a fantastic job, my dancers are absolutely killing it, and I’m really, really proud of this cast. With everything that we’ve done, everything that we’ve conquered, all of the trials and tribulations we’ve faced, I’m really proud of my cast.”
his senior project,
directing he will be taking on the role of Charlie Cowell in the
musical itself.
“[Directing is] rewarding but
stressful!” Zelechowski said. “It’s honestly full of... proud moments when I get to create such an illustrious production.”
and in addition to his
Reid, meanwhile, may not be doing
this as a senior project, but she plays an equally big role. To choreograph is to coordinate each and every one of the actors respective onstage dance moves, all of which are done at the same time to music that is often extremely fast paced. Most importantly, she also has to make it look good.
“Choreographing the show is definitely difficult, but it’s really enjoyable as well,” Reid said. “I never really considered doing choreography for the past nine years I’ve been doing shows, but I’m learning that the more I do it, the more I like it.”
Shaina Fullerton, 10, is a member of the ensemble. This is her first time in any musical, and so far, she is working hard and having a blast.
“Being an actor is exciting even if you aren’t a lead because you have to express even if you’re in the background to pull the scene together,” Fullerton said. “It’s amazing. You get to be a whole different person and express feelings you never really get to express sometimes.”
While the actors are rehearsing scene after scene and musical number after musical number, the tech crew are equally hard at work on the various sets required. Mark Johnston, 10, is one such member of tech. This is his second
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