Wye River Upper School Students performed the musical Guys and Dolls
On March 13th and 14th, Wye River Upper School (WRUS) students performed the musical, Guys and Dolls, Junior before a full theater of friends and family members. Each Spring, WRUS puts on play for their community in the Cadby Theater of Chesapeake College and this year, Drama Coordinator, Ashley Harold, decided to try a musical. “One of our 11th graders, approached the staff last year and asked if we could do a musical. Our students have wonderful voices so it seemed like a great idea,” explained Harold.
Throughout the winter, WRUS prepared for the play. Mrs. Harold and other staff worked with the students in the mornings before academic classes. Many options were available for ways in which students could participate which encouraged a large number of students to join the team and use their strengths. Roles included: set builders, customers, back stage crew, light board operators, actors, prop artisans, and advertisers.
Several days before the show, the drama team of students and staff were anxious about the performance. There were many missed practices due to snow days and the lead actor became sick. A few students stepped up to learn new roles in record time, including the lead role. Music Director Kim Nichols explained how impressed she was with the way students pulled together despite challenges “The students blew our socks off with their singing in this first musical performance. Some of the pieces were quite difficult. A couple of students accepted parts at the last hour, and we were even more amazed with their ability to adapt and perform musically.” Mrs. Harold added, “It was a lot of pressure, but the kids pulled it together. They demonstrated excellent team work at the end and helped each other out.”
Next year, WRUS looks forward to performing on their own stage at their new home in Centreville, the National Guard Armory. The historic building which is under renovation holds a large stage, ample seating space and a balcony area for viewers.
Wye River Upper School is a college preparatory high school for grades 9-12 offering a supportive, yet challenging curriculum for students with ADHD, ADD, dyslexia and other learning or social differences. For more information, please contact: Katie Theeke, Director of Admissions and Communications, katietheeke@wyeriverupperschool.org, Tel: 410-827-5822.
Photo #1 WRUS drama students perform Guys and Dolls musical number- Sit Down Your Rocking the Boat.
Photo #2 WRUS students (left to right) Annika Koehler of Centreville, Hadar Pohl of Annapolis, and Jordan Edwards of Centreville perform musical number Bushel and Peck.
Photo #3 WRUS students (left to right) Kyle Hetzel of Pasedena, John Engel of Salisbury, and Julian Reid of Crofton perform act one of the show.