GILLETTE, Wyo. — Campbell County High School students are preparing a show packed with magic tricks, songs and more that will delight children, according to actors.
Sarah and Tim Bessette, the directors, saw the musical “Mary Poppins” on Broadway several years ago and were waiting for the right time to bring the show to Gillette, Tim said today. With the particular set of skills that the students in the production offer, that time has come.
Performances will take place at 7 p.m. Nov. 2, 7 p.m. Nov. 3 and 2 p.m. Nov. 4 in the auditorium of the school, located at 1000 Camel Drive, Gillette.
Tim said the production is one of the craziest and biggest the school has done in a while, as there is a massive set. As Tim developed a condition that required him to don a sling, he had the challenge of only being able to tell, instead of show, students how to construct the set. Also, for the first time, the school is renting costumes that are similar to those seen on Broadway, he said. While the school has a robust selection of costumes, they did not have ones that were appropriate for the production. Students watched many videos to learn how to perform the magic tricks and students who already knew how to tap dance taught others.
Tim said that while directors base the selection of the show on the students’ abilities and how the production might help them push them in their growth as artists, he is still pretty amazed at how the students have risen to the challenges.
Shayne Howe, who has the title role, said that what is her final senior show will be a “super great” production. She looks forward to singing.
Olivia Hard, who plays Bert, is excited about her role because she enjoys Bert’s optimism and eagerness to help others. Bert has a lot of personality.
Ian Crowe learned to tap dance in his preparation to play Admiral Boom, a character who has a lot of energy.
“I get to go crazy up on stage,” Crowe said.
LouAnn Bryant has three roles: Miss Lark, Miss Smith and a chimney sweep. One of her favorite parts of the musical is the song “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” Being in the production gave her the impetus and opportunity to focus on how to spell the word.
Kaydence Bruns, who plays Jane Banks, said that she loves theatre because the activity and the community around it helped her overcome shyness and insecurity. The community is a good support system, which she believes has helped her grow. Her favorite character that she played in the past was “Little Red Riding Hood” in “Into the Woods.”
Like Bruns, stage manager Kaylee McConnell said she is looking forward to seeing all the various aspects of the production come together in what will be a very child-friendly show. The only scene that could be a bit disturbing for sensitive audiences would be a doll scene. The Nov. 3 performance will feature a farewell tribute to the seniors, including McConnell and Howe.
Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors, according to a Facebook event announcement.
