Arts March 2019

On March 21st-23rd the Ramsey High School Drama Club presented the 2019 Spring Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, to mass acclaim from the community. However, this achievement was not something that came without months of hard work and dedication throughout the cast of around 50 people. Starting with auditions back in November, the cast began working right after winter break to transform what was once an idea into reality. Each week, the cast met starting at seven at night and worked for hours every school day and almost every Saturday leading up to the performance.

Throughout the musical season, there were a few traits that could be found in every single cast member. Such traits included dedication and passion. As Thoroughly Modern Millie featured a large amount of tap dancing, which was something unknown to many, the cast had to step out of their comfort zone and learn new dances, new moves, and new songs. Everyone was willing to work for hours on end for the perfection of this musical. Whether it was something as simple as going to lunch rehearsals or sitting through continuous hours of dress rehearsals, each cast member came together for the show. Aside from the individual attributes throughout the cast, everyone there was a family. Though the spring musical had historically featured a smaller group, that did not stop anyone from taking time to bond and become unified. Of course, the cast adored every performing moment, but many say that their favorite aspect was the jokes and relationships that were formed with other cast members backstage. These strong bonds will ensure that not a single member of the cast will forget the production of Thoroughly Modern Millie anytime soon.

This production would not have been possible if it weren’t for all of the people working behind the scenes. There was the amazing directing by Mr. Gipple who dedicated countless additional hours and was there helping the cast every step of the way. There was a stellar orchestra that was conducted by Mr. Bialkin, and all of the songs would not have sounded as perfect if it weren’t for Mrs. Saltzman who taught the cast every note to every song. There was also the construction of the beautiful set that Mr. Chrisafis helped to build and design, in addition to the Drama Mamas that worked every night to create hundreds of costumes from scratch. However, when it came to the performance itself, none of it wouldn’t have gone smoothly if it weren’t for the stage crew and all of those working on sound and lights. This combination of working parts between both cast and crew helped to create an original and exciting theatrical production. In the ongoing years, the cast will look back on this production and feel nothing but joy and pride for the success it was.

By: Allison Los, Sophomore