Growth. According to Oxford Languages, growth is the process of developing or maturing physically, mentally, or spiritually; the process of increasing in amount, value, or importance. This year's cast is the epitome of growth.
For the past two years, we have performed lighter, livelier shows that audiences were not familiar with, beginning with Adventures of a Comic Book Artist followed by The Rockin' Tale of Snow White. Each year showed a level of growth that allowed me to look for shows that would allow the cast to grow even more. As I searched for musicals that would accommodate larger casts (this year's cast totals 59 students from grades six, seven, and eight), convey a great story, and possess a musical score that would challenge our singers and touch our audiences on many levels, I came across Anastasia: The Musical (Youth Edition) from Concord Theatricals. I was immediately captivated by the music and lyrics, intrigued by the story, and aware that some students and audience members may be more familiar with the story. This would be the show that would allow our students to grow in so many ways.
In my years as director, we have not done a show with as much music as this show nor have we done something quite as dramatic as this. In order to have everyone understand the story, rehearsals for the first month focused on really investigating every word (spoken or sung) and identifying or inferring the meaning. This allowed each cast member, not just our leads, to be fully invested in the story, thus growing in the knowledge and understanding of each character and scene. The cast worked with Mr. Gibson on music approximately two hours each week and choreography with Mckenna about 3.5-4 hours each week. We were able to put scenes together within about three weeks. When finally moving to the PAC for our final 10 rehearsals, the cast was able to adjust to the much larger stage and begin to add set pieces and props.
Throughout the past thirty-five rehearsals (and 100s of hours of individual and group practices), we have witnessed tremendous growth in our entire cast. They have grown as actors, as singers, as individuals, and, most importantly, as a family. From our very first rehearsal, I knew this cast would be there for each other, and they certainly proved me right! I am thrilled that I was able to spend the past two months with each and every cast member. I know that each one is excited to give each audience member this gift of performance.
Productions like this cannot be performed without the countless hours of dedicated individuals. I am so blessed to be joined by a creative team that shares my belief that theater can be a freeing experience for students and provide so many opportunities for growth and learning. Ben Gibson, I value your music expertise, the hours spent learning the music in order to help students improve their singing, and your willingness to help me at any time. Kim Schoff, I am so thankful you volunteered to help when I announced that I was in need of a backstage manager. Thank you for your willingness to learn and your leadership of our backstage student crew. Ivy McComsey, I am beyond grateful for your support and assistance to me and the cast when you were able to join us after student teaching. You have helped me more than you know. Ed Leone, your set pieces and scenery painting always match my vision and help to set the stage for the magic of Martin Meylin theater. Ethan Moore, you and your student tech team help our actors be seen and heard; thank you for your dedication to live theater and providing tremendous experiences in sound, lighting, and stage managing to L-S students. Julie Palmer, I appreciate your desire to work with our students and look forward to working with you fully next year.
We are blessed to again have former cast members return to Martin Meylin to share their experiences and leadership, helping us to continue to grow the love of theater as well as to grow each individual in our cast. Mckenna Donaldson, Talia Hall, Kathryn Davis, and Aiden Flory--thank you for your dedication to theater, our cast, and our creative team! Your support and assistance is invaluable. Thanks also to our other high school volunteers: Elianna Donaldson, Lydia Hall, Jake Poyer, Griffin Neumyer, and Drew Wagner.
My final thank you is to each and every one of you in the audience: family, friends, faculty, staff, students, and community members. Without your support, we could not be providing this experience and love of live theater for our students. From rehearsal pick-ups and drop-offs to costumes and help with learning lines and music, you make everything related to this production possible. We are so glad you're here!
Now let's get our "Journey to the Past" started. Please enjoy Anastasia: The Musical (Youth Edition)!
Mrs. D'Agostino
