Ms. Carolyn Hood, Theater Director, visited Orthwein Theater only a few days after this year’s spring musical, 9 to 5, was forced to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“I saw all the props from 9 to 5 lined up backstage on their tables, the set pieces in the wings, and all the costumes neatly arranged on the clothes racks behind each actor’s name. I even saw the sign-in sheet with every cast and crew member, neatly checked with each night of tech rehearsals they had attended,” said Hood.
She shared that her walkthrough was a very emotional experience and one that started off very sad. However, she began to remember the 10 weeks of rehearsal the cast and crew had together and all of the amazing moments during that time – watching the creative choreography of Zoe Clark ’22, listening to the beautiful harmonies come to life from Dolly Parton’s songs, and hearing the contagious laughter from Jack Morris ’21, strapped in his harness, flying through the air for the first time.
“I often tell our theater students that process is far more important than product,” said Ms. Hood. “During the process, we grow artists, learn to take risks, make and solidify relationships we will have all of our lives. All this happened in our 10 weeks together—nothing can take that away—and it was truly a joy to be part of such a creative, talented and dedicated cast.”
Although the performance was never able to have its grand finale on stage, the show did go on…online, that is!
Enjoy this virtual performance of seniors Bryn Daney ’20, Haley Driver ’20 and Amarah Friedman ’20 singing I Just Might from 9 to 5, and watch through the end to see images from the dress rehearsal.