By Sage Tippie
Hello. Hello there. The theater department opens it’s newest musical, “Bells are Ringing” on Wednesday, Feb. 7 running through Saturday, Feb. 10.
Actors, theater technicians, band and orchestra musicians, as well as senior student directors Katie Lancaster and Cami Keenan have been working on the production for months and want everyone to hear the hit tunes and see the acting, retro wallpaper, and old fashioned telephones for themselves.
“The whole process has been tiring but thrilling, and I’ve really enjoyed working with everyone to put together a great show,” Abby Truman, junior, said. “As a lead, I don’t see myself any different than the ensemble, I think we all just share the process together. People should come see the show for some laughs, some fun, and a couple of surprise twists.”
The play follows the tale of lonely telephone operator Ella, played by Truman, and the love she finds for client and play writer Jeff Moss, played by sophomore Brock Sorenson.
Countless hours of work have been put into the show after casting in November. Students practiced daily after school and even on the occasional Saturday in the theater with Mrs. Burrows, theater adviser, and Mr. Watson, musical director.
“It’s really cool to see all the aspects of the show like tech, pit, and actors all come together to create this show, as well as seeing how all our hard work has paid off,” junior Olivia Oh, ensemble member, said.
Audience members who come out to support the theater and musical departments this week by attending any of the four shows will leave with the catchy lyrics of “Independent,” “Hello, Hello There,” or any of the other musical’s tunes stuck in their heads.
“We’ve been working really hard to put together this show, and I think it is important for people to see what theater is about and what we do. It’s a lot of fun, so I hope everyone who can comes and sees it,” junior Rafael Canizales, who plays the dentist, said.
All shows are at 6 p.m. in the theater. Reserved tickets are $10 online and $12 at the door, and general admission is $8 online and $10 at the door.
