Taking a Different Approach to This Year’s Musical

This year’s musical is “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

Senior+Meagan+Current+practices+her+lines+and+blocking+with+sophomore+James+Schenck%2C+while+senior+Meg+Gulley+follows+along.+

Wyatt Manuel

Senior Meagan Current practices her lines and blocking with sophomore James Schenck, while senior Meg Gulley follows along.

Kaylee Weigel, Reporter

The behind-the-scenes of a musical can be chaotic and stressful, yet enjoyable. From the director to the cast members, it takes teamwork and hard work.

Because of COVID-19, the musical directors have had to structure practices around protocols set by the health department. Vocal director and choreographer Mrs. Wolfe said, “We had to pick a smaller cast show due to the 25% occupancy limitations set by the health departments. We also had to double cast the show to accommodate the possibility that a lead character could be quarantined. So we have two full [casts] for You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.” 

During the practices, they follow all of the restrictions. Sophomore Isabella Mackendrick said, “The difference in doing this musical during COVID is that we all have to adapt to the fact that someone could get quarantined and miss practice, and we have to wear masks the entire time, so it is harder to express acting.”

The making of a musical requires cooperation between the cast members and the directors. Wolfe stated, “There are so many moving parts that it is critical for everyone to honor their commitment to the show. Whether it be tech crew, performer, or production staff, everyone has to do their job for a show to be successful.” 

The adults have to work together just as much as the students work together. Director Mrs. McClelland said, “It just takes lots of time and moving parts and people working together. Mrs. Wolfe works on vocals and Mr. Fields works on the orchestra, and I do all the blocking and putting it all together.”  

There are also stressful aspects, such as getting everything together in a short amount of time. Izzy said, “Being a part of a musical is very stressful, but also very rewarding.”

Behind the curtain, the audience misses out on the chaos of putting on a production, only seeing the on-stage performance. Wolfe said, “In most productions with a large cast, there are usually more people backstage then are on stage — set pieces moving around, people changing costumes… all in the dark! Makes for some funny stories.”