Seventy-six trombones may lead the big parade, but Heritage Music Director Justin Lee is ready to take his drama and music students into this weekend’s performance of the “Music Man” with less instrumentation, but just as much enthusiasm.
While there won’t be 76 trombones on stage during the performance, Lee is directing the largest cast he has seen.
“Instead of our usual 25-30 students in each production, we have almost 50,” Lee said.
Knowing that Heritage had talent, he chose the Music Man for the annual spring production so that students of various ages and talents could participate.
“This year, we have a large, talented senior group but we also have a large group of junior high students who have done considerable work at the Homer Opera House,” Lee said.
The crew has been working behind the scenes to prepare for the shows, which will run at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Being a small school, rehearsal times, other activities and homework are often a balancing act for the drama members.
“Nearly every cast member is in at least one, and sometimes up to three, other extracurricular activities/athletics,” Lee said.
“Many of the high students are also balancing jobs in Champaign/Urbana,” he continued. “Our coaches have been great and worked with us on every single situation, allowing for students to have the best possible experience across the board.”
Heritage Senior Sage Lundquist has felt the pressure of making sure everything gets done as she prepares for graduation. With schoolwork, college applications, college visits, scholarships and two part-time jobs, she has learned to navigate a tight schedule.
“For a while it got to the point where I only went home to sleep,” she said.
But the spring musical is not something she wanted to miss out on.
“I have learned that somehow, I am more resilient than I thought, and that everything generally falls into place if you give it a nudge,” Lundquist said.
“Every year I feel like I don’t have enough time, or my performance is sub-par. And every year, I surprise myself when the performances come around and make people laugh and applaud all the same.”
Lundquist will play, Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn, a snooty “society” woman who struts throughout town. The challenge is something that is appealing for Lundquist, who has been in theater since she was 8 years old.
“I gravitate heavily towards storytelling. I believe that good theater, like good movies, is something that unifies people,” she explained.
“As a kid, theater was fun for me because it was like an upscale version of playing pretend; it still feels like that today to an extent, except now I have a lot more knowledge of (and involvement in) all the work that goes into it.”
Within the drama program, Lee tries to teach students an appreciation and understanding for the process it takes to portray a character.
He said those willing to challenge themselves and take on the task are also those who are willing to grow and learn.
Senior Emily Markstahler, who will play Marian Paroo, a stuffy, conceited librarian and piano teacher, said the drama program has also been a social highlight, but through the opportunity provided over her three years in the spring play, she has gained a new confidence.
“I’ve always been confident in my singing, but creating a character around it just adds a deeper level to the experience,” she said.
The vocal part of Marian Paroo “scrapes both edges” of Markstahler’s singing range, but with practice, she is ready to showcase her range.
Classmate Jessie Latham Jr., who will take on the main male lead as Professor Harold Hill, said the Heritage drama program has helped shape his high school career.
“My favorite thing about musicals is how close you become to people you’ve never met or even imagined meshing with,” Latham said. “There really is nothing but good times to be had with friends, family, and the director.
“As a senior, the biggest problem I’m having Is the fact that I have to part with all of this. But there really is nothing like being on stage, and everyone should experience it at least once.”
Year-after-year the entire spring production would not be possible without the support of the community.
Just this year, more than 100 district costumes were created by a group of moms who volunteered their time to help out.
Pianist Angie Ruwe, who has had five children in the drama program over the last decade, leads the pit crew.
“She’s an amazingly talented lady and she’s leading a group of students, teachers, and community members to create a fantastic music ensemble,” Lee said.
Art teacher Julia Galaway gets her students involved by constructing and painting the stage props and furniture. Additional students help backstage with lights and sounds while others layout the program and solicit ads.
“All of our backstage/unseen help deserves so much credit. They add an enormous amount of support to what you’ll see on stage,” Lee said.
Tensions may be running high for cast members as they prepare to perform this weekend, but Lundquist said the group is fortunate to have each other.
“We all try to help each other stay caught up on our duties and manage stress,” she said. “I have the privilege of working with some very down-to-earth castmates who want to get our show up and running more than anything else.”
Doors will open 30 minutes prior to each show. Tickets, which are $5 for students and $7 for adults, can be purchased at the door.
