The magic of live theater
Chartiers Valley High School presents “Beauty and the Beast” March 4-7 in the high school auditorium.
Upper St. Clair High School’s production of “Kiss Me Kate” will take place March 6-8 and 12-14 in the Upper St. Clair High School Theatre.
The coming springtime brings birds, flowers, bees and the magic of live theater. School musicals allows all of the fine and performing arts the chance to create, collaborate, communicate and come together in the presentation of a new transformed art form … everything from the acting, dancing, choral and solo singing, and instrumental accompaniment to the costumes, make-up, sets, props, lighting, sound and special-effects. All of the music and stage crafts “make the magic” to stir your imagination for an evening or matinee of wonderful entertainment and enlightenment.
The musicals produced by South Hills area high schools secure the rights for the same licensed productions that are performed in downtown Pittsburgh (Civic Light Opera and Broadway series), New York and Hollywood … one might say “professional grade,” intended to be performed by seasoned professionals and not watered down. But, regardless of the incredibly challenging vocal ranges, dance steps and athleticism, virtuoso musical passages and instant scene changes, the students always rise to the occasion and put on artistic, realistic, thought-provoking and inspiring numbers, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the entire family.
The scripts and scores for each show provide only the barest information on how to put everything together. The directors, choreographers and set designers have to determine the selection and placement of the cast on the stage (defining their blocking and all entrances/exits) as well as the type of backdrops, props and platforms to build, position and move (in and out) from scene to scene. Because of this, no two performances of a single production will ever be the same. In addition, no two shows performed at different sites will ever be remotely similar. The variety and unique talents of the leads, chorus, dancers, pit orchestra and production crews, as well as the vision and leadership of the artistic staff, will assure that the audience will experience many surprises and excitement at each show.
Support your talented musicians, singers, dancers and production-crew members. Buy a ticket. Invite others and escape the winter doldrums. Love theater? Consider volunteering by helping to sew costumes, distribute posters, sell tickets, build sets, paint scenery, buy a program advertisement or well-wisher announcement, or chaperone an after party. Contact the school’s musical director or performing arts chairperson to find out additional ways to make a difference in your school’s musical program.
Here are musicals in the South Hills you won’t want to miss:
• Chartiers Valley High School – “Beauty and the Beast,” 7:30 p.m. March 4-7 in the Chartiers Valley HS Auditorium.
• Upper St. Clair High School – “Kiss Me Kate,” March 6-8, 12-14. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, March 6, 7, 13, 14; 2 p.m. Sunday, March 8; and 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12 in the Upper St. Clair High School Theatre. Call the Music Activity Hotline at 412-851-2060 for details.
• Canon-McMillan High School, “Seussical the Musical,” March 12-14 in the high school auditorium.
• Peters Township High School – “Children of Eden,” March 12-15. Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday in the high school auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Pre-ordered tickets can be purchased via mail order or in person Tuesdays and Thursdays through March 10 in the high school lobby. To download ticket forms, visit barefootk.weebly.com/children-of-eden.html.
• Bethel Park High School – “West Side Story,” 7:30 p.m. March 18-21 in the high school auditorium. Tickets will be sold 8:30-10:30 a.m. daily, March 9-17 in the high school’s main entrance lobby. An evening sale will also be held 6-7:30 p.m. March 10, also in the lobby. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on performance evenings, but attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to ensure the performance is not sold out.
• Baldwin High School – “The Drowsy Chaperone,” 7:30 p.m. April 15-18 in the high school auditorium.
• Brentwood High School – “Footloose,” 7 p.m. April 16-18 in the high school auditorium.
• Fort Couch Middle School – “Seussical the Musical,” May 1-3. Performances are at 8:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday in the high school theatre.
• Mt. Lebanon High School,” Annie Get Your Gun,” 7:30 p.m. May 6-9 in the high school auditorium.