Some of the students find an escape when they’re on stage. Others are there because friends are there.
And a couple more see their musical experience at Marion as a springboard to bigger dreams.
Whatever the reason they’re there, the fact is they are all there. And preparations for this spring’s production of “Mary Poppins” is well underway with long hours and plenty of smiles.
Senior Bella Keyser has the role of Mary, the infamous nanny created by British writer P.L. Travers for her series of books. She’s been part of the musical scene at Marion since she can remember and has plans to continue after graduating in June.
“This is my future career path,” she said during a recent rehearsal. “I want to study musical theatre performance because I’ve always liked to sing.”
She’s not sure where she’ll be studying after her days at Marion, but she knows wherever she goes, music and performing will never be far.
“It’s a rush,” she said of being on stage.
Junior Aidan Rittenhouse has the role of Bert, the narrator of the story.
“Music has always been part of my life, it’s gotten me through some times,” he said. “I get a little nervous during warmups but once I’m on the stage, it all goes away. It’s like I’m not even in a musical; I’m living the life of Bert.”
Shelly Thompson is again the director of the musical, a role she’s had every spring since coming to Marion in 1987. That’s 38 years for the German and English teacher and watching her work with the students, her energy and enthusiasm makes it look like she’s in her first year.
“I love it,” she said. “The kids work so hard for me ... We have so much practice with dancing and line, the parents bring us dinner and we sell out the shows. It’s a big community event.”
Bella and Aidan may enjoy the musical life for different reasons but when it comes to the work it takes the reach the finale, they are in agreement. It’s a complete effort, much of it done by people who never even walk on to the stage.
Set crew, lighting and sound. Without this work, the acting, singing and dancing don’t mean much.
“We can’t have the musical without them,” said Aidan. “It’s great to see everybody come together.”
And it all starts with an idea from Thompson: what musical are we doing? It’s not as easy as picking one she personally enjoys and plans for the year start at the conclusion of the previous year’s show. Thompson starts a list of those who are not graduating and how likely they are to return to the musical.
From there, she assesses who is capable of what and that’s what sparks the search.
“You have to know you have the people who can do these roles,” she said. “This year, I have five senior girls and I wanted all of them to have decent parts.”
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