Spring Musical Preview “Big Fish”

     For the past two months all that consumed the minds of students performing in this year’s musical, “Big Fish” was, roll calls, rehearsals, stage left, stage right, action, more rehearsals, voice check, outfit changes, and more rehearsals.

     With many months, days, and hours of preparation each week, it is almost time for the musical to be put into play. On April 13th, 14th, and 15th, the cast of “Big Fish” hopes to see the auditorium filled as they rehearse many memorized lines and catchy songs.

    “With an intermission of only 15 minutes, the production will last approximately two and a half hours,” senior Lauren Canady said.

    She hopes the auditorium will fill quickly, so in case it does, you may reserve your ticket by calling the office. Tickets at the gate will be $5 for students and $10 for adults. Students may not use their activity tickets in order to get in.

    With a two and a half hour production, many of the cast members are excited for the audience to catch all of the little details.

   “The dad jokes are marvelous and there are some moments of brilliant comedy but those looking for good music, and inspiring group numbers won’t be left wanting,” senior Kai Anderson, who will perform as Edward Bloom, said.

   “My character is Edward Bloom, a happy-go-lucky individual around whose life the musical revolves. I’m on stage for a majority of the production, and the story is primarily about the life, death, and misadventures of my character,” Anderson said.

    Other cast members share the same excitement.

    “There are a lot of jokes! Just small comments throughout that make it exciting,” Canady said.

     Dad jokes and brilliant comedy? What could make a musical more intriguing?

     Freshman Calan Brant will take part in “Big Fish” as his first ever musical at Hastings Senior High. He plays a big role in the production as well.

   “In the musical, I play Will. He is a realist and his whole life his father told him crazy stories that, to him, were impossible, and in the musical he is searching for the whole truth before his father is gone,” Brant said.

   Like Anderson, Brant says the audience should be excited about the amazing group numbers and acting skills of the many individuals performing in the show.

   “The audience should be excited about all of the amazing acting, and of course all of the crazy fun songs,” said Brant.

   Not only did students join the musical to be apart of the production, but to get insight into the world of entertainment and to gain new friendships.

    “I decided to join the musical because I’ve always loved music and I thought it would be a really fun experience. I also love a lot of the people in the art program so I knew I would be surrounded by a good atmosphere,” sophomore Alice Franssen, who will play a main role as well, said.

    “My character is kind of like the basic blonde popular girl. She’s the cheerleading captain, prom queen, and dating the cutest guy in school,” Franssen said.

   With a number of different characters, scenes, plots, and, of course, songs, this year’s musical will not disappoint.

   Brant’s favorite part of the musical is a song called “Showdown”, but he says you’ll have to come to the musical to see it!

   Each of the students participating has a different role in helping this musical come to life. There’s no shortage of parts either. The cast members are eager to see everything come together.

   “My favorite part of the musical is when we get close to performing. It’s really exciting to see the costumes and your characters that you’ve worked so hard on come to life,” Franssen said.

   Senior Lauren Canady also expresses her thoughts.

   “We have all worked so hard on this musical and it takes a lot to put such a big production together in such a short amount of time so everyone should come see it!” Canady said.

   With the musical approaching, members are now in crunch time to finish any last minute preparations. It surely will not be a show to be missed.

   Franssen said, “The audience should be excited about how dramatic and emotional this musical is going to be. It’s all about celebrating life and there are so many different emotions and aspects it brings up which makes it really amazing.”