The performing arts program began work on their first in-person musical since covid began. This has been an exciting way to kick off the performing arts year for many of the girls in the production, and has been a breath of fresh air with a regular practice schedule. The production is “Godspell,”  a modern poetic spin on the story about the ministry of Jesus and the effect He had on the community of people that followed Him.

This year, there were all of the normal opportunities and responsibilities of being back in person; like being able to socialize with the cast. Last year’s fall play during covid, “Much Ado About Nothing,” held many challenges, such as virtual practices, and an entirely Google meet based final performance. The spring musical, “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown,” was recorded on the stage and the video sent out for the audience to watch.

“One of the main parts of being in a show is building relationships and forming bonds with other cast members, but with a virtual show we weren’t really able to do that,” sophomore Elena Flaim said. 

This year, the girls have been working from 3:30-6:00 every day to bring AHC this in-person performance. The practices have been long and even stressful at times, with key elements like the dancing, singing, and acting out the parables to coordinate. But being part of a group and helping each other to have the tools to be successful has been one of the big driving factors for these actresses.

“My favorite parts of being in the performing arts is the energy, being able to show your talents to everyone, and watching other people show their talents,” Flaim expressed. “Everyone is crazy talented and hardworking; and even though the practices can sometimes be tedious and long, everyone has such a positive energy and it’s amazing to see how everyone’s talents and hard work comes together at the end.” 

Putting together a big school production like this takes a lot of work. Since September 13, the girls have been memorizing their lines and getting into character. 

“Some big challenges of performing are remembering  small details about your character and making yourself as expressive as you possibly can on stage,” sophomore Samaa Afoke related. 

Apart from the actresses, one of the most essential components of school productions are the backstage workers. These girls make the sets, props, costumes, and handle lighting and sound, which is no easy task. Costumes, specifically, pose a challenge, as it’s all about “trying to find costumes that fit the character but that also fit the person in general,” freshman Kate Silvey described. 

She continued that “all the costumes and props are intertwined, there’s even fabric strewn about the stage for some parts.” This crew keeps the production functioning smoothly, and is one of the many key points of success for performance night. 

The director of the productions at Holy Cross is Dale Placek, who has been working with the girls to learn the ropes of theater, to collaborate with each other, and for them to learn what it means to be a director. 

“Even though for the faculty we might be back to normal, what we need to remember as a faculty is that many students have never had a play live theater before,” Placek remarked. 

Placek was especially looking forward to a performance with an in person audience, the chance the audience will have to see the hard work of the girls, and the ingenuity and collaboration of the whole program.

“One of the biggest goals that I have as a teacher is for every student to feel like they are successful in the show, and that they’re getting a feel of what it’s like to be a director and a writer,” Placek finished.