A Catchy Epidemic

12 March 2015Jaclyn C, Alex ‘16 Photos: Emily B, Heather Nightingale & Mike Minckler

It’s a serious disease. Approximately 40 students are currently infected, and it’s spreading quickly. Symptoms include melancholic singing of lyrics, dancing in unison down hallways, and yelling/reciting catchy monologues. This sickness is called Post Musical Depression Disorder. Just yesterday I witnessed students with an awkward twitch in their ankles: turns out they were attempting to emulate the Charleston. I keep hearing faint strains of “I Could Be Happy With You” floating from dorms and classrooms. Faryn B’s shrill cries of “HUBERT!” seem to come out of nowhere and, without fail, I whisper under my breath a nostalgic “Botheration” or “Oh Lord, the wife” in reply. With the ending of the week-long run of this year’s musical The Boy Friend, I am surely not the only musical kid who feels a little lost. Since the beginning of the school year, the cast and crew have been focussing non-stop on this grand undertaking, and with its conclusion, some are unsure what to do with themselves. Many don’t understand the commitment musical takes. All year, but especially in second term, it leaves little room for anything else. Our full company rehearses three times a week in the designated musical theatre art block, in addition to the three to four hour Sunday rehearsals. On top of that, principal cast members are often called in on sports days to work out acting scenes. Though I admit that it is a bit of a relief that musical is over, it is definitely bittersweet. It’s nice that I can focus back on academics, especially the most important subject—Chemistry (*cough cough* I think I deserve a 5 effort rating for that, Mr. Snow) – yet, I am rather sad and slightly disoriented with the absence of musical and all of its hecticness. I miss the challenge of learning and performing choreography every night. I miss the crazy warm up rituals. I miss dancing with the best “Boy Friend” I could ever ask for, Mike G, Privett ’17. I miss attempting to perfect a British accent for my lines. I miss all the backstage shenanigans. I might even go so far as to say that I miss my sub 45 second “Sur La Plage” costume change. Not actually about that last one. That was terrifying. Above of all, I miss the camaraderie. Musical kids tend to stick together, especially during show week, and it feels amazing to know that so many people have your back. I cannot wait to do this all over again next year. Patiently waiting for the 2016 musical announcement, Jaclyn C, Alex ‘16

Where Students Choose To Be