The Portage High School Thespians premiered their spring show, “42nd Street” on Friday evening. The show, based in 1933, was produced through a special arrangement with Concord Theatricals and is directed by Lisa Mahaffa Thompson. For opening night, the musical was set to welcome an audience of over 230 based on ticket presales alone.
Mahaffa Thompson shared that one of the reasons she chose “42nd Street” this year was not only to give the students a chance to perform a classic musical, but it also offered a sense of community the Thespians all wanted and needed after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID made people realize the need for community. Hopefully when people watch they will see that connectedness,” Mahaffa Thompson said.
Casting for “42nd Street” started around Valentine's Day and rehearsal time was shorter than the Thespians are typically used to. The large cast also has several freshmen and first-time performers making their stage debut this year.
“In educational theatre, you tend to rehearse for 12 weeks. We did this in ten. So, this was very, very quick for them to pick up and I am really proud of them” Mahaffa Thompson said.
Senior Nicole Barlas, who is Vice President of the Thespians and one of the hair and makeup designers for “42nd Street” shared some of the excitement of seeing all of the hard work of the cast and crew come together this weekend.
“Seeing everyone get really excited and live a night that they’ve always wanted to live. It's so nice to see them really get into their parts,” Barlas Shared. “I couldn’t be prouder of them, especially the ones I’ve worked with since we were freshmen,” she added.
The pit orchestra that is accompanying the cast this weekend began to warm up as the East Auditorium at Portage High School filled. Friends and family of the cast and crew made their way to their seats and shared in the excitement of opening night.
“I’ve been reading about the play and it seems really interesting, I can’t wait to see it,” Brenda Craven, whose son Liam is the assistant stage manager for the show, shared.
Just after 7 p.m., the cast took the stage with a lively tap dancing number and began act I of the show. The cast showcased their musical talent along with their dancing talent throughout the show. Senior chorus member and first-time Thespian, Trinity Castilla shared that the music is just one of her favorite parts of the show.
“Not only the music but getting to meet everyone. Getting closer with people that I didn’t get the chance to be around. It’s been an honor to get to work with everyone and see all of the talent that comes out of the school,” Castilla shared. “It’s also really interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes,” She added. “42nd Street” is continuing through Saturday, April 23rd and tickets can be purchased in advance for $10.00. To purchase tickets or for more information on future shows by the Portage High School Thespians visit their Facebook page at Facebook.com/portagetheatre.