The lights blind the actors as they take their places on the stage. The audience bustles with anticipation. Although only made up of about 25 people, they are excited as ever. The actors take their positions and the lights are directed down towards them, changing colors as they go. Background music fades in as the ensemble voices crescendo into their first song. The show begins. 

The 2021 spring musical has been a much different experience than in previous years. Going under the name of a “revue,” it is defined as a combination of different musical, dance and acting sketches to make one big combination and celebration of musical. 

Familiar off- and on-Broadway musicals will be featured as they are selected by the students. 

“It’s like a compilation of everything you could imagine from ‘Dear Evan Hanson’ to ‘Hamilton,’ [to] ‘Hairspray,’” says creative assistant director Carissa Hudson.

Technical director David Henry says the show is like a cabaret night the theater department has done in previous years. Along with singing and sketches, it will feature costuming paired with a lot more exciting lighting. 

“It’s a fun way to do some musical stuff while also not having to worry about the stress of purchasing the rights to a full show,” he adds. 

Actor Michael Karm says the show will open with “The Schuyler Sisters’’ from the musical “Hamilton.” “For ‘Schuyler Sisters,’ I am going to be playing the role of Aarron Burr,” he says while discussing his roles. “The closer is ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ from ‘Hairspray,’” he continues.

With the current COVID restrictions, the show’s production has proven to be a challenge at times. With actors having to stay spaced out at all times, adaption to choreography, costumes, and makeup was needed.  

Onstage, everyone is spaced out six feet apart. “Everybody’s wearing masks. No exceptions,” Hudson says.

For dressing rooms and makeup, only about four people are allowed in at once. “Backstage, we have the backroom all set up with makeup stations,” Hudson adds. 

“Vaun McMillon built a table in a back area for makeup that allows a lot of spacing out,” Henry further explains.

Although proving to be difficult, the show still goes on. Done in the safest way possible, it is a reflection of the realities of the situation as well as a fun way to work with them. 

“It’s a really fun thing to do, especially as a senior who didn’t get anything [earlier this year],” Karm adds. 

Performances will take place on March 12, 13, 19, and 20 at 7:00 p.m., and March 14 at 3:00 p.m., though each has been sold out.