Searcy, AR. (LP) — The Searcy High School drama department has chosen to perform the production “Into the Woods” a musical originally written by James Lapine. The Drama department only chooses to stage a musical once every other year. Putting on a musical is more difficult than an ordinary play. Not only does it usually cost more money and require more work, but it also requires coordination between both the Choir, and Drama departments. Roles must be cast, the set must be constructed, lines must be memorized, and performances must be perfected! Many of the cast feel very excited about the potential success of this musical. Savannah Brown who has one of the lead roles, and a four year member of the drama club expressed her excitement, “Our cast this year is really talented. I’ve been a part of nearly all the productions in the past four years, and this group is really special. We not only know how to have fun, but we also work really hard.”
It takes a lot of dedication, hard work, and time to put on a musical. This year they have been practicing at least three times a week after school, putting in hours and hours of work. Doing their best to perfect their lines, and truly encapsulate the character they are trying to portray. Although much of the work is the responsibility of the actor and the individual, it is the responsibility of the director to draw all the elements together and offer insight when helpful. Savannah Brown stated, “Each of the actors offer their own individual talent and view, but it’s the director’s job to make sure the whole play is coherent and functions well together.”
On Wednesday, October 30 they performed the first full run through of the play. This signifies the beginning of the end of the rehearsal period. Their job will now be to go over every scene and make sure that everything transitions properly. Learning how to put all the individual parts they’ve worked for months on and transform their individual scenes into one final product. Isaiah Lawson, a junior at Searcy High School talked about the increasing intensity of rehearsals, “Before when we were working individual scenes and practicing memorizing lines, we didn’t feel stressed out, but now that we know we have to perform this in front of a live audience soon, everyone can feel the pressure”
As opening night looms closer a lot of doubt and anxiety can fill the minds of the actors causing them to not perform as well as they have in the past. Isaiah is optimistic about this year’s performance however, “Everyone is working really hard and putting in a lot of effort for this play, especially the seniors since it’s going to be their last musical so I’m sure it’s going to be great.”
