playbill vip

I love it, I love it, I do.  

Elf-the Musical was a bit of a selfish pick.  I have always wanted to do a Christmas-themed show. As Thanksgiving was rolled back in the calendar, this year was the closest to the holiday we would probably get and stick with the availability of kids in the activities calendar.   I don't think as many high school students shared my thinking as we had far less than normal people audition and ended up with 24 in the cast.  This gave our students a very professional experience with each actor playing multiple roles, changing costumes numerous times, and sharing gifts and experiences they didn't even know they had.  I am so proud of the growth mindset, flexibility, and grace this ensemble brought to the stage every rehearsal.  It is exhausting being on stage for the majority of the show and this troupe makes it happen.  I couldn't be more proud.  As Buddy and Walter sing, "it's never to late to grow!" 

May this be a slow start to a very sparklejollytwinklejingey holiday season. 

- mrs. r

In July our community lost a long-time educational leader who happened to love the movie Elf.  Suz Smolikhagen had a huge passion for life, a love of children, and a heart that was just a little too big.  We dedicate these performances to her memory and know she is singing, dancing, and laughing along with us always.

Many Thanks to

• Waverly-Shell Rock Music and Speech and Theatre Departments: Rachael Nelson, Ericka Benchoter, Denise Hull, Charissa Lambert, Sarah O'Neill, Joe Amsberry, Tyler Winkey, Matt McClellan, Jim Vowels, Eric Stover, Greg Wessel, John Atkinson, Lisa Phyfe
• Waverly-Shell Rock High School Administrators David Fox and Brady Weber
• Sam Guetzlaff - audio tech coach and specialist- we literally could not have done this show without you. 
• Ray Wolff, Angie Wessel, Patty Vowels, Penny Pier
• Matt Ray/KWAY and Elizabeth Bingham/Waverly Newspapers
• Heidi Hennings, Sara Lockie, and others who donated and supported our "team meal" on Matinee Day
• All the support systems in place for our students: parents and loved ones who uber, feed, clothe, remind to sleep, remind to study, and care for our cast and crew.  
• The Waverly-Shell Rock Community for their continued support of the Fine Arts