Some Enchanted Experience

Each year I survey our students who will be returning, asking them what kinds of shows they would be interested in performing.  When it comes to musical season, I get a lot of great suggestions.  And each year, several students express interest in producing a “Golden Age” musical.  However, the casting needs of such shows have prevented us from tackling them.

When we knew we would be without an auditorium this spring, I knew that we would need to keep a musical show simple.  Thus, I began searching musical revues.  They are a great way to perform the “greatest hits” of a particular composer or set of composers.  After looking at several, I became “enchanted” with Some Enchanted Evening.  To be able to look into some of the most iconic musicals from the Golden Age of musical theatre and give the students a chance to sing those songs was an exciting prospect.

On top of that, we’ve had a lot of fun working on developing students’ abilities to actually perform a song, rather than either standing and singing, or relying on intricate choreography.  Our students have become adept at moving naturally with non-musical scenes, but this show has allowed them to transfer those skills to musical theatre.

I am so grateful that you are here to see the results.  I am also grateful to Peggy Matanic, who is a tremendous sounding board for ideas (no matter how crazy).  My thanks also extend Luke McGinnis, our choir director who believes in the power of arts education for all and helping everyone develop their abilities.  I am also extremely grateful to Phil Potempa, Tony Panek, Luke Miiller, and the Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana for hosting us, so that we can still perform in a theatre.  The space is beautiful and has given our performers a chance to play in a very different space.  Finally, my thanks extends to Dr. Bret Heller, Mr. Morgan Nolan, and the administration of Munster High School and the School Town of Munster.  They are working to support us in keeping theatre going during these renovations. They also have recognized the need to support the performing arts with upgrades to our facilities, ensuring that when we return home in the fall, our students have the best place possible to play, learn, and grow.

--R. Palasz