Raise the curtains and dim the lights for BBHHS latest spring musical, “Chicago”. “Chicago”, a Broadway play running for over 25 years, has made its way to the BBHHS stage. “Chicago” is running March 14-16; tickets are $15 for reserved seating and $10 for general admission. Tickets can purchased at https://www.purplepass.com/#283287/BBHHS-Thespian_Troupe_1260_Presents:_Chicago_(Teen_Edition)-BBHHS_Auditorium-March-14-2024.html
Benjamin Lesh, director, states, “We’ve been rehearsing for about 4 weeks, and we’ve got 2 weeks left. [When] it comes down to rehearsing, [we look at ] what we have, explore, it, and find new ways to do things. Our student actors have been putting a lot of effort into making the Spring musical the best it can be, and we hope you will go and see them on their big day.”
Lesh isn’t the only person helping the students out. Although Lesh takes care of the setting,, lighting, acting, and directing,, he needs help. This is where Emily Garlock, choir teacher, and Mr. Stacho, choral directors, both help out with the choreography. and Deanna Jordan, Artistic/Publicity Director, helps with promoting, programming, and costuming.
While rehearsing for the musical in time is very important, taking in the actors, technicians, and pit members mental health is also very important to make sure they aren’t overloaded with stress. Lesh states, “I try to be really really aware of my members mental health, and kinda notice when their brains are full and when it’s time to take a break or when it’s time to do something silly or ridiculous.” Making sure that the musical members are not overloaded with stress is important in making sure they can get a good rehearsal.
Having a good balance between rehearsing and your academics is also important. Kenny Whitten, senior, says, “I tend to usually do anything homework-wise during rehearsal, anytime I have off. And, usually after practices, I get my homework done at home so it’
s not so intensive.”
Keeping a good balance between rehearsing and academics is very important to make sure that grades don’t drop while prepping for the performance dates.
One of the biggest stress-factors in theater is stage fright right before a performance. There’s multiple different methods that people can use to eliminate this fear, such as doing breathing exercises and talking with friends before going on stage.
Being part of theater is a great decision, it’s a good way to make friends and it can feel like you have a family there and that you have a sense of belonging. Lesh states “They always come together and make things happen and make the show the best it can be in this building, the actors always come together as family and they look out for each other and take care of eachother”
Having a place where you can be yourself in is very important throughout high school and if you haven’t found people that make you feel that way, maybe consider joining theater.
As the performance dates for “Chicago” gets closer things get more intense with rehearsals, which also means that we the audience are getting close to being able to see the amazing work that the actors have put into this play, so purchase tickets now to witness the incredible efforts these actors put on stage.
