Aspiring actresses and actors across the Diocese of Camden are stepping outside of their high school classrooms this spring as they prepare to present their school’s annual musicals.
From classic tales to more modern productions, these musicals are the results of hours of set and costume creation, rehearsals and preparation – and they are sure to please audiences young and old alike.
‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’ – Camden Catholic High School, Cherry Hill
Students will be presenting “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” this year.
“This year’s musical is the hilarious retelling of Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel of the same name that takes place in an English Music Hall in 1895,” said Angela Leone, the show’s director, and the school’s director of donor experience and alumni engagement. “Music Halls were a casual, somewhat irreverent form of entertainment in Victorian England, and this setting and script has presented us with an opportunity to stage an interactive and immersive theatrical experience unlike anything anyone has seen on the Camden Catholic stage before.”
The Rupert Holmes production will be presented March 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m., and March 10 and 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets to each show are $15.
More than 100 students are involved in the production, including the cast, crew and band, and the show is a new production for the school in its 100 years of spring musicals.
Because the show is based on an unfinished novel, there will also be opportunities for audience engagement.
“‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’ is, in fact, a murder mystery, and every night in the middle of the second act, the audience gets to choose their favorite suspect,” Leone said. “Those votes are tallied by our cast and will determine how the musical ends. You can come see the show six times and potentially see a different ending every time.”
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.cchsperformingarts.com.
‘Matilda’ – Paul VI High School, Haddonfield
After a successful production of the classic “Damn Yankees” last year, students at Paul VI will shift their focus to a modern musical this year.
An adaptation of a children’s book by Roald Dahl, “Matilda” tells the story of a brilliant young girl who has telekinetic powers – with a focus on the themes of self-empowerment and finding each person’s true self.
“This year, we get to take on a new, modern musical with a very poignant story and engaging music,” said Megan Balne, the show’s director. “The students have embraced the challenge of ‘Matilda,’ particularly with the choreography, and have been working very hard to bring this modern hit to Paul VI’s stage.”
The musical will be presented March 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m., as well as March 3 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15, and can be purchased by contacting Nicole Estrella at nestrella@pvihs.org.
There will also be a special Dinner Theater experience March 2 from 5 to 7 p.m.; tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children younger than 10, and that cost includes dinner and the show. For tickets to the dinner theater, contact Laura Maley at lmaley427@gmail.com.
“This year, we are including middle-schoolers from several local schools and have the opportunity to include younger students in the process,” Balne added. “‘Matilda’ focuses on a broad range of school-age children, so we have been able to integrate some very talented younger students into our show.”
‘The Addams Family: School Edition’ – Holy Spirit High School, Absecon
Holy Spirit’s students are preparing to present “The Addams Family: School Edition.”
Shows will take place on March 15 and 16 at 7 p.m., and March 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 each ($12 for seniors and students), and are available at the door or at the school during school hours. They will also be available online.
“I am most looking forward to hearing the laughter of the audience as they enjoy this absolutely hilarious show,” said Amy Evans, the show’s director. “It’s been a lot of fun watching the kids have so much fun working on it so far. We also have some big plans for some of the sets, costuming and makeup, so I am really looking forward to seeing it all come together.”
The humor-filled musical, adapted from an off-Broadway production, is promised to resonate with audiences by embracing the different personalities in every family. The production chronicles the experience of a grown daughter finding love in a different type of family – and how her parents react.
“This show is more modern and a bit more edgy than what we typically produce,” Evans said. “It’s a very funny and heartwarming story that tells the story of families who truly love each other.”
‘Seussical the Musical’ – Wildwood Catholic High School, Wildwood
Students at Wildwood Catholic are gearing up to thrill audiences with their production of “Seussical the Musical.”
The show will be presented March 21-23, and those interested in attending can contact the school at 609-522-7257 or visit wildwoodcatholicacademy.org.
A production for the whole family, the musical will touch on the power of friendship, loyalty, family and community.
“The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many ‘thinks,’” according to the school. “Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him.”
‘The Little Mermaid’ – Gloucester Catholic High School, Gloucester City
Gloucester Catholic’s aspiring artists have been busy working on their production of “The Little Mermaid.”
The performance, a tale of bravery, friendship and following one’s heart, will be held March 21-23 at the Deptford Township Performing Arts Center, 1219 Delsea Dr., Westville, NJ, 08093.
“The Little Mermaid” tells the story of Ariel, a mermaid who longs to explore the human world and falls in love with Prince Eric. After making a deal with the Ursula the sea witch, she relies on her friends to discover the true meaning of love and self-discovery.
For more information, call the school at (856) 456-4400 or visit gchsrams.org.
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