As Freedom’s drama club production of West Side Story quickly approaches, the cast and crew are working hard in order to put on a great show.

“West Side Story” is about the conflict between two teenage street gangs living in mid-1950s New York City: the Sharks and the Jets. The Sharks are a gang from Puerto Rico and the Jets are an American gang.

Tony, played by Senior Robert Raso is an ex-Jet who falls in love with Maria, played by Sophomore Maddie Edder, the sister of the leader of the Sharks.

“This year’s cast has worked harder than any I’ve seen. That is all due to the attendance,” Musical Director Mrs. Debra Williamson said.

Without practice, the show wouldn’t go on. Because of this, attendance to rehearsals is very important. When cast members don’t show up to practice, it can put stress on others; certain lines have to be retaught and choreography has to be worked on again instead of the students learning something new.

“It affects the cast as a whole when people don’t show up because it prohibits the person that interacts with the absent person from learning what he or she should do. It also prevents the absent person from learning it, too, and wastes time at the next rehearsal making up lost time,” Sophomore Kameron Mayhue said.

That is why when all the members of the cast are present, the progress of the musical continues on track.

“Practice absolutely runs much smoother when everyone is there. Which so far this year, attendance at rehearsals has been outstanding compared to past years,” Mayhue said.

Not only do the actors and actresses need to have perfect attendance, but the rest of the cast also has to be there in order for production to continue. Outside of being a singer, dancer or cast member, there are many other positions available that allow people to take part in the musical. There are spotlight technicians, curtain operators, director’s assistants and many other positions.

“As one of [Williamson’s] director’s assistants, I help her take attendance, direct the cast (who is needed on stage, etc.) and organize different information,” Sophomore Meghan Kiefer said.

Every position, no matter big or small, comes together to put on the show. With musical practice taking place almost every night of the week, all the cast and crew members must devote a lot of their time to the show.

“It’s amazing how hard all the cast has been working this year. You can really tell everyone wants this to be the best show yet,” Senior Amanda Fischer said.