After watching the last jaw-dropping performance by the theater department, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, our standards are high. This spring musical,Little Shop of Horrors, is about to make its awaited debut. Everyone taking part in this play can speak on the stressful and chaotic times, but also share the fun and fulfillment that come with performances like these. The Wolf decided to interview two juniors, Megan Dayton and Henry Findtner, to get an inside scoop on the process behind the musical production. 

What is the process like in such a production like this?

HF: “It’s a very long and tedious process, usually expanding over three months of work. So many people need to do their job for a show to work, and every role is essential. So much is student-run, and the crew on the show is fantastic and committed. For a musical, especially, there is so much to do, not only with technique for singing, but acting and dancing at the same time.”

 What is your favorite thing about being a part of the musical?

MD: “It’s honestly just really fun playing a different character! It’s really fun learning new songs and seeing all of the harmonies go together. For me, the most rewarding part is seeing the show come together and knowing it wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t in it! It’s cool seeing that no matter what role you get, it matters.”

How do you personally prepare for a show?

HF: “For me, I usually drink a lot of water and listen to music. Right before the show begins, I like to meditate for at least a few minutes to center myself and be calm.”

How much time has been put into this production?

MD: “So many hours! The leads have to put in a little more time than ensemble, but we are all so devoted to this show! Sometimes the time flies by, though, because it’s fun being with people who aren’t afraid of how they are perceived by everyone else.”

Have there been any obstacles during this process?

HF: “The snow days put us back a few rehearsals, but we pulled through and put in the effort to catch up and make the show as polished as possible.”

What is going on backstage when the performance is happening?

MD: “When the performance is happening, people are running backstage trying to change into the next costume with everyone in the way, so it’s difficult. There are some tech people holding props to quickly give to the performers when they need their prop. There is a room where we all go when we are not performing and we sit there and relax before we go back onstage. It’s really fun being backstage and having the experience of being entertainment for someone else!”

We can’t wait to watch this performance after so many hours and so much effort has been put forth. The musical has two remaining performance days, today, March 17 and tomorrow, March 18, so don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime production!