On Oct. 7, it was announced that Debra Williamson will take over the position as the musical’s new director.

“This is something that I have always wanted to do, but the opportunity had never arisen for me to be the actual director. I got close last year as the assistant director, but when Mr. [Keith] Kovalic resigned I thought I’d give it a try and see if I had a chance at it. I was pleasantly surprised and I got the position,” Williamson said.

While Williamson is new to the position of director, she isn’t a new face to the Freedom Drama club.
“I have been doing shows [at Freedom] for 25 years minus one. I took one year off, so I guess a total of 24 years,” Williamson said.

Williamson is happy to be back on board with the Freedom Drama club, not just for herself, but for the sake of the students as well.

“They are very passionate students and I think they just get very comfortable with who they work with and when they know that’s changing it scares them. The unknown scares them, so with me going in there, I think it helps them a little bit as far as knowing that they can work with me and that they have worked with me. And you know it’s good for me too. If I wouldn’t have done this, I don’t know who would have come in. I don’t know that they would have called me for choreography. I could have been on the outside looking in, and then I would have been very worried for the kids. So, it all worked out and I’m hoping that it is going to be a great year,” Williamson said.

Williamson has been doing shows with Kovalic by her side, but she’s excited for the opportunity to do it on her own.

“I learned a lot from him, I really did. But, I’ve always had some thoughts of how I would want to do some things. So I guess this is my opportunity to take that chance now to do things the way I want to do them. Everybody has their own style and their own way, and [Kovalic] certainly had his, and he was extremely successful at it. There’s no doubt about that. So, I am hoping that I can put my own spin on it and be as successful or close to it,” Williamson said.

After last year’s musical and the addition of a fourth night due to demand, Freedom Drama has high expectations.

“Last year was a huge success, huge. And you know [Kovalic] started his musical career at Freedom with “Wizard of Oz” and that’s what he went out with. And he certainly went out with a bang. And yes, they are big shoes to fill. But, I am not a person that will back away from hard-work. I love hard-work and I will do my best to try to fill his shoes. Or you know what, I will do my best to make my own shoes big,” Williamson said.

For this year’s musical Williamson chose “West Side Story.” “West Side Story” is essentially a modern day “Romeo and Juliet” and features the rivalry between the Sharks and the Jets.

“I wanted a show that had a bigger ensemble that I could use more people,” Williamson said.

“I am so excited. This is one of my all time favorite musicals from the time I was little until now and I am so excited to get started,” Junior Jennifer Belair said.

“I really want to get as many students involved in this whole process as possible. I really want it to be a student production. I would love anybody that’s willing to do even the least little thing, if they’re committed, to come see me and let’s put something together for you, Williamson said”

There is an aspect of the musical that each person can enjoy. From makeup, to costumes, to stage crew there’s much more to the show than what can be seen on stage. If you’re interested in any of these aspects email Williamson at [email protected].