Beaver Area High School went under the sea.
Students put on another show-stopping musical production this past weekend. The Little Mermaid, directed by choir director Mrs. Susan Metelsky, provided entertainment for many theater-goers.
Mrs. Metelsky stated, “It's going very well; we’re trying a lot of new things, and we’re very happy with it.”
Senior Rachel Kopicko starred as the titular Little Mermaid, Ariel. Junior Andrew Cavett played her love interest, the charming Prince Eric.
English teacher Mrs. Heather Bixler arranged choreography with the help of student choreographers senior Anna Jaworski and freshman Charlotte Schultz.
The musical production process started in January with cast rehearsals and flying practices taking place multiple times a week.
Flying practice? Yes, this year’s musical included students “flying” across stage suspended from a special apparatus rented especially for the production.
“It’s new,” stated stage crew member freshman Genna Sisteck, “but it’s very exciting!”
Stage manager senior Elle Ray exclaimed, “I’m extremely excited to be backstage this musical season! It’s so cool being able to direct all of the flying sequences throughout the show and see all of the actors and actresses come off stage with smiles on their faces after doing great in a scene. It’s the best ‘job’ ever!”
Mrs. Bixler exclaimed, “It has been such an incredible honor to work with the cast of The Little Mermaid. The students have worked so hard to create a magical world ‘Under the Sea.’ Anna and Charlotte have done a wonderful job as my student choreographers; I’m blessed to have them. My 15th show as choreographer has been just as exciting as the first!”
To promote the performances and build enthusiasm, in February the group hosted a cast breakfast for the public, featuring meet and greets with the cast, storytimes, crafts, and a raffle.
Junior Riley Paul shared, “The kids enjoyed making starfish and taking pictures with the cast!”
The week leading up to the performance, known as tech week, was an incredibly stressful yet exciting time for much of the cast. With show run-throughs, each night, flying practice, and lighting practice, all snags were smoothed out prior to the first showing.
Junior Gary Liu, who portrays Chef Louis, shared, “We are ecstatic; it’s the first normal year for musical since Music Man [2019], and we’re so excited for it to be back!”
While one of the last show rehearsals was performed in front of an audience of second graders and high schoolers, the first “official” performance was the senior citizen showing March 17. Free admission was given to seniors 65 and older for a matinee showing of the musical.
Of course, none of the advancements made during tech week would be possible without the help of the stage crew working hard behind the scenes to put it all together.
Stage crew member freshman Kallianne Reap stated, “It’s fun watching everything fall into place and seeing it come together from behind the scenes!”
The pit orchestra also played an integral part in the musical, putting the harmonious music to the words.
Senior violinist Krystof Purtell expressed, “I initially joined the pit just because I had to stay in Tri-M, but I’m glad I did. It’s been fun working with the cast in making their songs the best they can be. Pull up to the musical, everyone!”
Opening night March 18 was incredibly well attended. The excitement leading up to it was tangible through the actors’ words.
Kopicko was looking forward to opening night, saying, “Being the lead has been a dream of mine for the past six years, and I’m so excited to be here. I couldn’t ask for a better cast. Tech week has been exhausting, but it’s going to pay off, and the show’s going to be amazing!”
Congratulations to the cast, pit, and crew who helped put together another successful musical!
