add to magic for Valley student performers

AUDIENCES, from Page 16 connection they can use to add emotion and dimension to their role, like how Mifflinburg Area Musical Director Meghan Nardella directed Teanna Fogle for the school’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.” Or the audience’s reactions can provide the jolt needed to carry on through high-energy numbers.

“ft means a lot when they look out into the auditorium and see a big crowd of people. It gives them the energy to perform even better,” said Brandon Mowery, who directed Mount Carmel’s “Mamma Mia!”

While the main goal of the shows’ directors is to teach the students new skills and help them grow as performers, part of that payout comes from watching them put hours of rehearsals into use. It’s why it’s so important to support local high school productions — whether they be the spring musicals or at another time of the year.

“We had a recruitment event with the Lewisburg choirs yesterday and I heard multiple high school students say ‘Join the musical, it is the best part of my high school experience.’ I think that statement is important for people to hear,” said Lewisburg Area Musical Director Sarah Tiede. “The continued support of music programs in your area really impacts kids. Make it a date night to go see local shows. Laugh loudly, and clap vigorously. Help students create positive memories and grow their confidence.”

At Mifflinburg Area High School, some audience members weren’t just there to watch “Beauty and the Beast” — they were there to be a part of it.

Lyn Bingaman, the senior who served as stage manager on the production, said her favorite moment during the performances were seeing all the little girls with their Belle dresses walking around. But, as part of a fundraiser for the theater program and a way to involve the audiences, people could purchase enchanted roses that would light up and help the “magic” as The Beast, Matthew Blake, transformed back into the prince.

The directors stumbled on the idea for it while searching for another prop.

“We knew this show would bring in a lot of younger children, and we wanted to include them In the magic,” director Meghan Nardella said.

Because she was in the pit during performances, Nardella has only ever seen the full effect through recordings of the show, but she could catch glimpses of it out of the corner of her eye.

“Some of my favorite moments were watching the small children and families sitting right behind me through my peripheral vision,” she said. “Seeing their faces light up with the roses felt so magical, and it was wonderful to see both those who were young and young at heart be part of the magic.”

For the performers, it was a memorable sight.

“My favorite moment in the live show was during the transformation scene when the Beast is transforming back into the Prince. The Enchantress came out and waved her magic rose and prompted the kids to do the same,” said Kyra Zechman, the 10th-grader who played Belle. “I angled myself just so I could watch the audience. The whole auditorium was lit up with the magic roses, and it was so cool to see.”

— Kyra Smith-Cullen

Chicago: Teen Edition'