From left to right: Olivia Wallace (Miss Adelaide), Talia Whitesel (Sarah Brown), Jacik Hess (Nathan Detroit), Garrett Gerholt (Sky Masterson), and Messiah Madison (Arvide Abernathy) rehearse during a recent practice for the upcoming musical Guys and Dolls.
By LILLIAN BOOKHEIMER | Journalism Student, Mount Union Area Senior High School
Mount Union, Pa. — The Mount Union Area High School Drama Club will present its upcoming musical, Guys and Dolls, on April 23 and 24 at 6:30 p.m.
The production is a romantic musical comedy set in 1950s New York City, focusing on the lives and relationships of gamblers and showgirls. Each year, the drama club puts on a musical, and according to director Nancy Corson, a lot of thought goes into choosing the right one.
Ms. Corson explained that she goes into auditions with several options in mind and allows students to share their preferences. After auditions, she considers the group’s strengths and participation numbers before selecting the musical that best fits the cast. She said she often reviews many different musicals before making a final decision.
Working with this year’s cast has been a positive experience. Ms. Corson said, “The drama club is a family; as with a family of origin, we love and support each other, but sometimes we get on each other’s nerves from the huge amount of time we spend together.” Despite challenges, students continue to work together and support one another.
This year’s seniors play an important role in the production. Ms. Corson described them as organized, motivated, and driven. She also noted that they have been part of the program since it was rebuilt after COVID, which makes them especially invested in its success. In addition to performing, many seniors help guide and support younger members of the club.
Senior cast member Rocco Loner said the long rehearsals have been worth it. He explained, “We’ve been putting in a lot of time, but it’s been really fun seeing everything come together. Everyone’s working hard, and I think the show is going to turn out really good.”
Preparing for the musical requires a significant time commitment. Rehearsals are typically held for about three hours after school during the week and can last up to five hours on Saturdays. Students spend that time singing, dancing, and practicing their lines. Many cast members also participate in track, and Ms. Corson said the track coaches have been supportive in helping students balance both activities.
One challenge the drama club has faced is building the set. Since the school no longer has a woodshop program, the group has had to rely on volunteers. This year, one of the seniors is leading the effort, and members of Mrs. Bilger’s art club are also helping with set design.
Senior Sarah Varner, who assists with props, said preparing for the musical has taken a lot of effort behind the scenes. She explained, “There’s a lot more that goes into it than people realize, especially with props and set pieces. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s been a really good experience.”
Despite the challenges, Ms. Corson said she is most excited to see her students perform. “I am always the most excited for my performers to shine,” she said. She added that Guys and Dolls features catchy music and a lot of energy from the cast.
Ms. Corson also expressed appreciation for the adults who help behind the scenes with costumes, choreography, props, and set design, noting that their support plays a major role in the success of the production.
Ms. Corson encourages members of the community to attend the performance and support the students. Performances will begin at 6:30 p.m. each evening. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. “Please take an evening and come see the show and support the students,” she said.
This article was published as part of Ms. Dimoff’s Journalism class at Mount Union Area Senior High School.
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