The energy was high Friday night at Chesterton High School as members of the CHS Music and Drama department prepared for their debut fall musical performance, “The Sound of Music”. Ironically, the original Broadway production of “The Sound of Music” opened on November 16, 1959.
“This is just a happy coincidence for us,” Director Kristin Morris told the cast. “Let’s tell the story, let’s do it justice.”
Serving as Choral Director, Music Department Chair, and Auditorium Director for Chesterton High School, Morris has the opportunity to work with students daily.
“It’s an awesome process to watch how they grow and build and develop a sense of who they are on the stage, that’s always my favorite part of any of my jobs”
Senior Danny Schmiegel, who plays Captain von Trapp, shared his appreciation for his experience as a theater member throughout his high school years.
“It’s something I can do that’s not competitive, something where I can be proud of myself without a result; it’s self-fulfilling.”
There were no cuts made for this year’s production, this opened doors for a wide range of young talent to be a part of the action and cast.
“I wanted to give everybody the opportunity to be involved, and this is a show that allows everyone to do that,” Morris acknowledged.
The production features several young cast members, including a 2nd grader, 6th grader, and Chesterton Middle School 8th grader Christopher Woods, who plays the role of Kurt.
“Ms. Morris emailed my mom and asked if I wanted to be apart of this amazing show, and I said yes!"
Christopher plans on making theater part of his upcoming four years at Chesterton High School.
While some cast members are just beginning their theatrical careers, others are seasoned veterans who’ve been in the spotlight for years.
“I’ve been in musicals since I was seven years old, so I really wanted to be involved in my high school musical theater program,” said junior Rebecca Lane, who starred in the show as Maria. "This is what I love to do.”
Since the September casting, the two months of hard work have not gone unnoticed.
“They put a lot of work into it, they’ve been gone till 10 o’clock at night doing all of these rehearsals,” said Angie Woods, mother of cast member Christopher Woods. “I’m sure they’re going to have a wonderful show.”
“The Sound of Music” will have several showings this weekend, including Saturday, November 17 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, and Sunday November 18 at 2:00pm. Tickets are $10.00 for adults, $8.00 for students and seniors, $5.00 for children 5 and under, $25.00 for a family pass (2 adult tickets/senior or child ticket), and can be purchased at the door.