Sewickley Academy students have been hard at work for months both on and off stage in preparation for their upcoming musical.
Everyone in the production plans to cut loose March 5-7 in Rea Auditorium and present “Footloose.”
There are about a dozen students in the crew, nine in the orchestra and 30 in the cast.
Some performers, like junior Sofia Castagnaro, are putting in double shifts as part of the cast and crew.
The dual role gives them an opportunity to have more ownership in the production and a practical feel for the stage.
“We do a lot in rehearsals in terms of getting the numbers down and the dancing down and the singing and the choral arrangements right,” said Castagnaro during a build day Feb. 7.
“Then we come here and it’s like we’re actually putting together the show. We’re not just acting and dancing. We’re actually putting together the things we’re going to be acting and dancing on.”
Castagnaro plays Urleen, one of the support characters.
Several students took part in the build day prior to a school dance that evening.
Some students also spend about an hour a day, three days a week, in addition to the Saturday build days.
Castagnaro said she not only learns practical skills building the set, but it boosts confidence as a performer.
“It helps me understand how safe the stuff that we’re building is,” she said. “I don’t have to be scared of going up the platform anymore because I realize that we did this. We added that splint. We added that screw and ensured everything is in place and super sturdy.
“Not only did I do that, but I’m going to dance on that thing and going to perform.”
Crews are overseen by technical director Katrina Kayden, who is in her third year of academy productions.
Kayden, a former family law attorney, honed her theater skills with the Indiana Players at the community theater in Indiana, Pa., before joining the academy.
“I feel like this year I’ve really found my stride,” Kayden said. “The first two years were definitely a learning curve just getting used to the spaces and getting to know the students and the families, getting to know my co-workers a little better.
“I feel like we have such an incredible team in the performing arts department and work so incredibly well.”
Kayden said she is very proud of the students and their cooperative efforts.
They also showed some ingenuity with repurposing set pieces from last year’s “Crazy for You,” saving some money for other parts of the production.
Brief synopsis
The story features big-city teenager Ren McCormack and his mother moving from Chicago to the small rural town of Bomont, Utah, to live with Ren’s aunt and uncle.
Ren tries to fit in but finds himself falling for Ariel Moore, daughter of the Rev. Shaw Moore and girlfriend to Chuck.
Ren befriends another teen named Willard and learns rock’n’roll music and dancing have been banned because officials believe it is sinful.
Chuck challenges Ren to a game of chicken involving tractors; Ariel rebels against her father.
She, Ren and others go to a bar over the state line to go dancing.
Ariel reveals her older brother was killed in a car accident after a night of drinking and dancing, and how her father persuaded the town council to have strict anti-liquor, anti-drug and anti-dancing laws.
Ren goes on a mission to challenge the laws so the high school can hold a senior prom.
Musical selection
Director Rachel Smith said “Footloose” was a talent-inspired pick. She has led academy musicals for the past four years. She’s watched the seniors grow and mature.
“We have several 12th graders this year,” she said Feb. 11. “Looking at the list of students who we assumed would audition, we wanted to pick a musical that would be suitable and fun for the entire cast, but also give us ample opportunity to feature so many 12th graders.”
There are seven seniors in the cast. Auditions took place in November and practices began in December.
“We are on track to be ready for opening,” Smith said. “Kids are all excited. We have some really fun musical numbers we’ve been working on. We’re excited to share with an audience. We are in good shape.”
Some things to be done in the weeks leading up to the show include cleaning up the dancing, fine tuning technical aspects, costumes and lighting.
Smith said she encourages cast members to participate in build days to get a better understanding and appreciation to what goes in to a complete production.
“I think for the crew, it’s just great for morale to have cast and crew side-by-side building a set together,” Smith said. “Music’s playing. We’re having a good time. Just a good sense of camaraderie and a sense of accomplishment.”
Teamwork makes dream work
Seniors Luca Peluso and Chase D’Antonio play Ren and Willard, respectively.
Both have been in musicals all four years of their high school career. They have become good friends and also play sports together.
D’Antonio said that chemistry shines on stage. They plan to make the most of their final academy show.
“I’m really glad that we get to be partners in crime in this show,” D’Antonio said. “I wouldn’t take anything back. Cherished every memory with him, every moment. Obviously, it’s going to hurt. Luca and I plan on staying in touch through college. We’re going to see each other this summer and do some shows this summer.
“Representing Sewickley Academy, this will be our last time. I’m proud to have gone through and represent the school with him in a great manner.”
D’Antonio said this is the biggest cast and dance-heavy show that he has been a part of at the academy.
Peluso and D’Antonio also participated in build days and support the crew. They helped build the bridge portion of the set.
“It’s a very cool experience,” Peluso said. ”You get to see the other side of performing. … You realize it’s very hard to make the show actually come to life with the sets and all the builds you have to make.”
Peluso credits the leadership for their great rehearsals and construction supervision.
“Our director and choreographer and music directors are all great,” Peluso said.
He said it’s going to be tough stepping off the stage for the last time.
“It’s sad but it’s also fun,” he said. “It’s a great show to end on. I will always cherish the four years I’ve spent with the music department and the theater department.”
Tickets are $5. More information is available on Sewickley Academy’s performing arts Instagram page.
