Places! Places! Take your places on center stage! In the wake of play and musical season, the cast and crew of the Freedom Drama Club are working vigorously to perfect their performance of ‘The King and I.’
“We have practice for vocals once a week for each character or group, and the remaining four days we can have anywhere from 2-3 practices, not including weekends,” Senior lead Lara Pavlick said. “It hardly feels like work. Miss Deb makes it so much fun, and we still accomplish what we plan to do.”
This year’s production has a much different time frame than those in past years. The show dates were pushed back a month later than they typically are. They were pushed back to the end of April and beginning of May. With practices taking place daily, there is always the chance of scheduling conflicts, especially when students take part in other activities outside of the drama club. With this extended, it’s less stressful for the cast and crew members that are in other activities, such as sports.
Tickets will be going on sale in March. With how successful FHS Drama Club has been in years past, enjoyment and turn out should be at an all-time high this year. As all the years in the past have been amazing shows, what makes this year different from the others is that this musical was chosen because it was Anna Maria Folmer’s favorite musical. So the performances are dedicated to her all the hard work she’s done for Freedom Drama, and all of Freedom in the past.
“There’s strong camaraderie between the cast members, and we’re already working really well together, as a group, which makes me anxious to finally perform,” Pavlick said.
Whether it be for the simple enjoyment of supporting fellow students, or going in honor of Freedom’s own, Mrs. Folmar, it’ll be an experience to remember.
“I’m super excited to be apart of the King and I this year, as it is also my last year I’ll ever perform on the Freedom stage. I’m also so honored to be in a musical that is dedicated to such a wonderful woman, and I hope in the end, we can all make her proud,” Senior Lea Gualtieri said.
“I think the most important thing is that we have as much fun as we can while telling the story, and honoring Mrs. Folmar,” Pavlick said. “It being my senior year, it would be amazing to be able to continue the legacy, and encourage all of the younger kids to get involved in the drama club. Truly, I could never regret any of the hours spent on the musicals in high school.”