Every year it happens the same way. Students race to the choir room to partake in the first Musical rehearsal. Here, they learn the music and the script of the show that attracts hundreds of Hays citizens to 12th St. Auditorium.
Musical Director Johnny Matlock is glad to be on the other side of auditions.
“I think the best part is when you start rehearsal, and start digging into the music and the script,” Matlock said. “The work has begun, but the very best part is yet to come, because that is opening night.”
After the first rehearsals, students already have their favorite songs from the show picked out.
“My favorite song is Typical Day,” sophomore Sydney Vahling said. “It’s just fun, and I like the vocal parts and solos in it.”
While students are enjoying putting the show together, there will be challenges along the way.
“The biggest challenge will be figuring out the music and getting it to sound good, because the music is very complicated, and there are many parts.” sophomore Jacob Balzer said.
Though putting this show together is a lot of work, students say all the work is made worthwhile come opening night.
“You’re up on stage and the audience is bursting with applause, and you know you just created something spectacular,” senior Heaven Vrana said. “It’s when you go from 50 kids in a choir room with a piano and turn it into this brilliant, colorful show with heart and emotion. It’s worth it when you finally have created everything you worked for; that moment when you know you made someone laugh or cry.”
The cast and crew encourage students to attend this year’s musical production of “Li’l Abner.”
“Students are going to see so many of their friends getting to have a spotlight,” Matlock said. “It’s a comedy that I think everyone is going to enjoy.”
14awalters@usd489.com
