As a first-time director, Jim Benedek got here into this year’s spring musical at Thomas Jefferson High School with a vision.
He desired to use as many of his personal abilities as possible, however, he additionally desired to faucet into what he sees as a deep properly of pupil talent.
Of course, the actors are all students, however, college students additionally are worried about the set layout and building for “Legally Blonde,” which will be staged March 17-20.
“I desired to do as plenty in-house as possible,” Benedek said.
Benedek teaches technological know-how education, inclusive of video production, building technological know-how, and theater set development at the excessive faculty in Jefferson Hills.
“It’s my first yr directing, however with the (set construction) type I implemented, I thinking it was once a herbal suit to put the whole lot together,” he said. “I additionally constructed units for Elizabeth Forward (High School) for 10 years prior.”
Benedek used to be assisted in designing the “Legally Blonde” units through forged member Christine Rossi, a scholar in the building technological know-how class.
“I’m having as tons constructed as feasible with the aid of my theater development classes,” he said.
As for the musical choice, Benedek said, “I was once very acquainted with ‘Legally Blonde.’ It’s an exciting and upbeat show, and it strikes very quickly. I concept the children would revel in being in a greater modern show.”
With about 60 college students in the cast, he said, “The quantity of brain we have to pick out from is really amazing, from beginners all the way up to seniors. The whole, the complete solid is deep in talent.”
Students in lead roles vary from newbies to seniors.
“Their persona improvement has without a doubt been taking off. In the previous month, I can see them altering into their characters, so it’s exciting to watch them develop in that,” Benedek said. “They’re capitalizing on the Genius they have.”
Featured performers consist of junior Rachael Parsons as Elle Woods, freshman Gavin Hart as Emmett Forrest, senior Sabrina Reed as Paulette Buonofuonte, senior Joey Wodarek as Warner Huntington, sophomore Kayleigh Johnson as Vivienne Kensington, and sophomore Aidan Oeler as Kyle B. O’Boyle.
Also, Olivia Virgin as Brooke Wyndham, junior Ashley Caldwell as Serena, senior Claire Saltzman as Margot, senior Hannah Jordan as Pilar, sophomore Eli Fisher as Arron Schultz, sophomore Noah Bowytz as Sundeep Padamadan, and senior Maddy Westwood as Enid Hoops.
A 40-student pit orchestra, led by using band director Jim Mirabella, is offering stay music.
The crew numbers about 20 students. Stage managers are senior Madelyn Panagia, juniors Shanice McNeil and Camryn Dailey, and sophomore Madeline Potts.
“From the stage to the sound and lights, they do so plenty that human beings don’t even realize,” Benedek said. “They’re fantastic.”
Behind all of them is a devoted crew of theater boosters.
“The dad and mom feed the youngsters and maintain matters organized,” Benedek said. “It’s a collaborative effort in totality, and that’s what is going to make the exhibit a success.”
Curtain instances will be 7 p.m. March 17-19 and two p.m. March 20 in the faculty auditorium at 830 Old Clairton Road. The matinee will have a signal language interpreter.
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