On and off the stage of SHS theater’s musical this year, revealed “Seussical,” the audience only knows theater production for the characters, background and sound. But who are the ones behind the lively characters and dazzling atmosphere?
Natalee Rojas (The Cat in the Hat)
Senior Natalee Rojas is playing the role of The Cat in the Hat in this year’s musical after a successful audition. This will be her third musical.
Rojas first joined theater after noticing a lot of her friends were in it, and she thought she might as well join too. She enjoys the process from first receiving choreography and lyrics to everything coming together in the end.
“When everybody’s getting together and learning dance for the first time and then once it actually starts to look good together, that’s probably my favorite part,” Rojas said.
She enjoys being a main character this year. But she believes that it doesn’t matter what part one takes in the musical, because every part is important.
She feels that she can connect with her role because she says that they share the same upbeat energy.
Outside of school, Rojas enjoys playing video games and creative writing. She finds peace in knowing that there is no rush to what she writes, and she can write anything, anytime.
Abbie Wethington (Stage Manager/Max the Dog)
Senior Abbie Wethington, entering her sixth year of being a stage manager, switches her mood as soon as she steps into
the theater classroom and onto the stage.
She enjoys her role of being stage manager mainly because she’s good at controlling situations and making sure that everything goes according to plan.
Having been stage manager for theater productions for almost her entire high school career, she has learned one thing: not everyone will understand things immediately. Not everyone will get in their position on time immediately or pick up the beat of their ensemble; it’s a matter of patience and practice.
Because of Wethington having this role since she started, she has decided to take a small step up this year and decided to take on a small role in the musical.
“Since it’s my senior year and I’ve never been on stage for a musical, I asked the director if I could have my one time cameo as Max the Dog,” Wethington said.
Though her stage time isn’t as long as other cast members, she’s grateful to be manager and to have a role, even guiding herself through stage directions.
Hailey Bolden (Soundtrack)
After first seeing a flyer seeking tech help for the play “Sherlock Holmes,” senior Hailey Bolden has been involved in tech ever since eighth grade. Now, being in her final year of high school, she still enjoys working in tech and sound-based areas.
From start to finish, she feels satisfied when stage and behind stage work comes together. She is also satisfied with the thought that there are multiple parts that tie into one whole show.
Whether the performances on stage are whimsical and intriguing, or wacky and fun, Bolden says that she especially enjoys seeing the reactions people have to them, including some of her favorites.
“(My favorite part was) probably seeing one of the dances for the first time. ‘Amazing Mayzie,’ I thought that was amazing,” she said.
Something she has learned throughout her five years of working for tech is that communication is important, especially for tech members.
In addition to performing arts at school, Bolden enjoys writing stories and creating art within the comfort of her own home.
Chloe Fruchey (Hair/Makeup)
Although the theater stereotype is performing on stage in front of a cheering crowd, sophomore Chloe Fruchey prefers to contribute in a different way.
She likes the thought of being important to the musical without being on stage. While actors do a lot for the musical, she wants to be someone who brings things together without being under the spotlight.
Seeing that her friends were in theater and noticing the piquing-of-interest environment, Fruchey decided to work backstage her freshman year. This makes this her second year of painting faces and curling hair.
Her favorite part of being in theater is being with her friends. She feels that this year she is close with the seniors, making this year exciting. But next year, she knows that she will miss them.
“It’s almost bittersweet because I know they’re all graduating and it makes me upset. But hanging out with the seniors is probably my favorite,” Fruchey said.
