Wondering why there were so many teary eyes after the last musical performance? Well, it was the seniors’ final time performing a musical. Their final time on stage with their oldest and newest friends, singing their hearts out.
This year’s musical was 9 to 5, a play featuring three main female coworkers who work together to take control of the office, implement positive change, and get rid of their sexist boss. It was funny and enjoyable to watch, yet also meaningful.
This year, the main characters were played by four seniors: Lexie Goff as Violet Newstead, Sophie Berger as Doralee Rhodes, Brownwyn Schlagel as Judy Bernly, and Everett Brown as Franklin Hart Jr. As a senior, seeing your name on the cast list under one of the main characters is thrilling.
“I’m so happy I got to be a part of 9 to 5! It was such an amazing show to be a part of. I felt like I got to know my fellow seniors, and I built and strengthened a lot of friendships throughout this show,” said senior Sophie Berger. “One of my favorite memories from 9 to 5 was the first time we ran scene 9 (Violet, Judy, and Doralee are high in Violet’s living room). I don’t think I’ve ever laughed that much at rehearsal before.”
What most don’t understand is that the cast and crew practice months beforehand to ensure an unforgettable and amazing show for the audience.
So, after all the hard work of practicing, performing, and taking down the set, what happens? A party! Not just any old party, a cast party is usually themed similarly to the musical.
At first, everyone signs a group photo, grabs food, and finds a place to sit. There are numerous conversations and debates about various topics, such as the theme for next year’s musical, the upcoming one-act play, or the spring play production. Later, there are also many fun games, such as “Guess the Song/Musical,” along with various fun and delicious prizes. The seniors’ favorite part of the party, though, is when they receive their senior blankets.
Senior blankets have been a tradition for years, serving as a way to congratulate the graduates and also thank them for inspiring the classes that follow. The blankets have a deeper meaning than you would think at first. It is the junior’s job to get to know the seniors and observe their interests, as the blankets relate to each individual’s unique interests. It also shows the seniors how much they will be missed and how much they are appreciated.
So, at first glance, you may not realize the impact that the seniors leave on the rest of the cast/crew, but if you dig deeper, you see how much inspiration they will leave behind.
“This group of seniors made up nearly half of our cast and crew for the Fall Musical. But that’s not why they’ll be missed,” said Samarah Forster, Stage Director & Choreographer. “It’s because of their unique combination of talent, dedication, and the ability to make even the most exhausting rehearsals a fun and enjoyable experience.”
Not pictured:
Taylynn Paulson- Margaret Pomerance
Levi Ellanson- Judy’s ex-husband, Dick
Ryan Johnson- Player in the Pit Orchestra
Jonas Rainwater- Sound & Light Tech
Alyson Leslie- Assistant stage manager
