Get out your new 2015 calendar and schedule some dates–it is show time! For many years, our community has grown accustomed to excellent high school performing arts productions. Everything from band to dance, we have wonderful performances all year long and school musicals are perhaps the best example of this longstanding tradition.
“Guys & Dolls” will be performed by El Diamante High School on Wednesday, January 21, through Saturday, January 24. This is a classic, and it will bring back memories of the fifties Broadway musical. All the high society folks are in town, and they’re depending on Nathan Detroit to set up a famous gambling party. The only problem is…he needs $1,000 to rent a place. Throw in Sarah Brown; Sky Masterson, who accepts Nathan’s $1,000 bet that he can’t get Sarah Brown to go with him to Havana; Miss Adelaide, who wants Nathan to marry her; Police Lieutenant Brannigan; and the music/lyrics of Frank Loesser; and you’ve got quite a musical!
“Mary Poppins, the Musical” will be performed by Redwood High School on Thursday, February 5, through Saturday, February 7. It is based on the beloved books by P.L Travers and music from the Disney movie starring Julie Andrews. We will be the first high school in California to perform this show. It is a delightful story for the whole family!
“Grease” will be performed by Mount Whitney High School on Thursday, February 18, through Saturday, February 21. This is a popular musical and Mount Whitney has an incredible cast and is excited to perform the classic movie songs along with some rarely heard musical versions! Come out and support them, and you’ll probably find yourself singing along with the cast.
“Anything Goes” will be performed by Golden West High School on Wednesday, April 15, through Saturday, April 18. The age-old tale of boy-meets-girl and the complications that ensue will intrigue every audience member. No musical puts in on stage better than “Anything Goes.” More than 115 Golden West students will participate in this year’s musical.
The Green Acres Middle School musical tradition continues with “The Music Man.” The plot concerns conman Harold Hill, who poses as a boys’ band organizer and leader and sells band instruments and uniforms to the naive Iowa townsfolk, promising to train the members of the new band. But Harold is no musician, he plans to skip town without giving any music lessons. Prim librarian and piano teacher Marian sees through him; but when Harold helps her younger brother overcome his social awkwardness, Marian begins to fall in love. Harold risks being caught to win her. Come out and support the Green Acres tradition!
This year’s musical selections are excellent choices for family entertainment. Get your friends and family together, go out and get your tickets early because several shows will be sellouts. Prepare to be entertained!
Craig Wheaton, Ed.D., is superintendent of the Visalia Unified School District.