That’s The Way It Happens…
Behind the Scenes of SRTC’s Spring Musical: State Fair!
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Post date: February 3, 2025
By Kira Kelly
Excitement is building through the hallways of Southern, with the Spring Musical’s, State Fair, opening night creeping up around the corner. While the audience will see a polished performance filled with amazing music, dancing, and drama, the real magic is the process of getting there.
Since January, the cast has been putting countless hours in at rehearsals. Senior Belle Placa, who plays Melissa Franke, remarks how “Rehearsals have been a lot of fun, but a lot of hard work. The entire cast and I have had to learn how to speak with a Midwestern accent, which has been an unexpected challenge.”
Above is a photo of our amazing crew building some scenery!
The cast of State Fair After the Number, “Driving at Night / Our State Fair”
However, other cast members have faced different challenges, like Nic Napolitano, who plays the roles of Uncle Sam and Lem: “Never did I think I would be walking across the stage in 10-foot stilts, and then tap dancing all in the same number.”
During the show, audience members won’t just see talented actors but also hear amazing musicians' live music in the pit. State Fair will feature over 15 talented Southern students and around 10 trained musicians! They have been hard at work in rehearsals, learning the score. Music director, Mrs. Hodgson, remarks how “This score is different from most, there are a lot of tempo changes that me and the pit are working around, however, nothing too crazy. These guys have been working their tails off to make some awesome music!”
And we cannot forget the unseen heroes of SRTC. While they may not be onstage during the show, the crew’s hard work will be on display February 26th. They have been working just as hard as the cast, staying late to build the set, sew costumes, and make props for the show. Crew Director Mrs. Watson tells us, “The crew this year has been on top of it! They have been working nonstop and these kids never complain. I am incredibly proud of them. Without their dedication, the show would not happen.”
So Southern, that’s the way it happens! If you cannot tell, the process of bringing Iowa to Southern Regional has been one of dedication, teamwork, and passion. Everyone has poured their heart and soul into making this show come together, and you do not want to miss it. Come see State Fair on February 26, 27, and 28 at 7 pm or on March 1st at 3 pm!
Emily Arden and the Fairtones rehearsing, “You Never Had it So Good”
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