If there’s been a common thread throughout this year’s season of local high school musicals, it’s been the goal of the directors to specifically choose shows that fit their students. And that’s especially true for Calvary Christian School (CCS), which is gearing up to present their first musical this weekend.
“We were looking for something that would showcase the musical talents of the four seniors we knew would be our leads,” Tammy Brewer, director, admitted. “And Singin’ In the Rain was their first choice, so we made it happen.”
Bringing such a major production to the stage was not without its challenges, starting with a new building, a new stage, a new lighting system and all the logistics to work out.
Another difficulty the directors needed to deal with was scheduling. With Calvary being a relatively small school, students can have a lot going on.
“They’re all involved in everything else — not just athletics and drama. These kids do it all,” Brewer said. “I want to develop their talent in every area and don’t want to make them choose.”
Still, Brewer and Becky Surls, her daughter and co-director, were up for the challenge. And this weekend the community will have three opportunities to see how well the cast and crew pull it off — Friday, March 21, at 7 p.m. or Saturday, March 22, at 2 or 7 p.m.
Based on the classic 1952 movie and set in the 1920s, Singin’ In the Rain tells the story of Hollywood hopefuls Don Lockwood (Jeremiah Hermiller) and Cosmo Brown (Daniel Young), who are trying to find success in the early days of silent film.
Things go awry when Monumental Pictures decides to transition to “talkies.” From microphone issues to leading lady Lina Lamont’s rather unfortunate vocal pipes, played by Kari Gantz, adding dialogue to the studio’s first talking movie leads to one difficulty after another.
Enter Kathy Seldon (Nora Thornton), a talented chorus girl who just might be able to save their latest movie. And win Lockwood’s heart along the way.
Featuring memorable songs like “Good Mornin’,” “Make ’Em Laugh” and the joy-filled title song, it’s the kind of show that will have people tapping their toes and singing along.
Due to the nature of the story, the crew filmed black and white “silent movie” scenes last summer. The cast also learned tap-dancing from Jolyn Hermiller, a CCS science teacher, who studied the skill for over a dozen years and choreographed those sequences. Surls choreographed the majority of the numbers using the movie and other productions as her inspiration.
The musical has been helped in additional ways, including costumes and set pieces from nearby schools and a lot of volunteers.
“I think people will enjoy seeing a classic that’s a favorite to so many,” Brewer said. “The kids have worked really hard, and they’re doing a terrific job.”
For tickets, which are assigned seats and selling fast, visit ccsspartans.com/boxoffice. Tickets can be purchased for $11.50 each.
