Classic musical production returns to Helias Catholic
“For so many years, I’ve been saying, ‘Gosh! How could it ever get any better than that?’ And then the next year, we blow them away again.”
Production Manager Ron Vossen was marveling at Helias Catholic High School’s upcoming performances of the Broadway musical, “West Side Story.”
The iconic retelling of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” set in 1950s New York, requires an ambitious array of staging, acting, singing and synchronized dancing.
About 50 cast members and 20 stage-crew members have been working since the end of Christmas Break to bring the production to life.
“I think people are going to be amazed at the talent they see here, both cast and crew,” said Mr. Vossen, a longtime Helias Catholic faculty member and current director of alumni relations.
“Our set is absolutely beautiful,” he stated. “You actually think of yourself on the streets of New York.”
Performances will take place at 7 p.m. on (Friday and Saturday, Mach 10 and 11) and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 12 in the Miller Performing Arts Center, 501 Madison St. in Jefferson City.
Call 573-635-6139 for tickets, which are $15 apiece.
First performed on Broadway in 1957, a year after Helias Catholic opened, “West Side Story” is decidedly more traditional than the school’s recent offerings.
“It’s been on our radar for a while, and we decided that this was the year to do it,” said Mr. Vossen. “Plus, we felt like we have the talent to do it.”
It’s a perennial favorite among audiences, “and it really challenges our students in a lot of different ways,” he stated.
“It’s one of the hardest shows I’ve had to do acting-wise,” said senior Jonah Lanigan, who’s cast as Tony, the male lead. “It’s a very big spectrum. You have to be serious but you also have to have fun.
“Also, the singing and dancing are very challenging,” he said. “But I think it’s all going to be worthwhile once opening night comes.”
Senior Lily Delk and junior Enzo Lenart serve as student stage managers.
“I really like being able to see the actors interact with the set, and watching the scenes actually take place,” said Lily. “It feels very real and it’s so nice to see what you’ve worked for and what you’ve put together go into action.”
Enzo pointed to a massive scene change that takes place during 10 seconds of darkness, requiring choreography and coordination rivaling the production’s intricate dance numbers.
“There are a lot of big pieces that we have to move on and off in a very short period of time,” he said. “We’re working on it, and we’ll really get it down pat.”
Details down to the mood lighting for the street scenes are being focused and refined.
“You’ve got to use the lights you have to make it all look natural,” said junior Claire Ashley, lighting technician.
It’s all hard work, but the results are very satisfying.
“There’s nothing like being on stage for the opening scene, and the lights come on and you see all of these people out there who came to watch us,” said Jonah.
“I can’t even connect it to anything, it’s just so rewarding,” he said. “All those people who are there to see the work that we put into it.”
“You know,” said Claire, “it’s when you see all the lights come together and all the stage managers come together with the cast and crew, and it just meshes together really well.”
Counting cast, crew and ushers, “we have over 100 students involved in the production,” said Mr. Vossen.
Lily said she’s aware of God’s presence in all the motion and commotion.
“We’re using the talents God gave us to perform and enjoy ourselves, and we’re very blessed to have this opportunity to do that,” she said.
Curtain call
Director and Music Director Amy Pringer said everyone involved is working hard and learning important life skills.
“They’ve been at this for going on four months,” said Ms. Pringer, who has been serving as director and music director of Helias Catholic’s student productions since 2018.
“By the time we get to this point, the show is theirs, this performance is theirs, and they should be very proud of it because it’s good,” she said.
She believes in student-driven leadership in staging school musicals. Student directors coordinate everything from blocking to scheduling to stage lights, make-up and hair.
“They foster ownership for the craft, not to mention the show itself,” she stated. “They’re prouder of the finished product because of what they do to help bring it about.”
Helias Catholic previously staged “West Side Story” in 1968 and 1975.
“We’ve invited back all the cast and crew from those productions and we’ve got about 50 coming back for the Saturday night performance,” said Mr. Vossen. “We’ve never done that before.”
Many students involved with this year’s production have taken part in past offerings.
Claire and Enzo got involved with Helias Catholic productions during their freshman year. Lily got involved last year.
Jonah was involved in theater productions in grade school and has continued through high school.
The four students looked ahead to the final bow after the last performance.
“I’ll just be pretty sad, because this is my last one,” said Jonah. I probably won’t do theater in college, because I won’t have time. And it’s just always been such a big part of my life. So it will be an end of an era for me.”
“I’ll be very grateful,” said Lily. “I’ve only done this two years. I’ve gotten to spend so much time with my friends, I’ve met so many new people. I’m really glad that I had the experience of all of this.”
“I know I’ll be sad because Lily and Jonah will be leaving, and I’ll really miss being able to spend so much time with the seniors who are leaving,” said Enzo.
“I’m gonna’ be said, but I’m also going to be optimistic for next year, which will be my fourth year doing it, and I can’t wait to start the next year,” said Claire.
Jonah said he’s determined to be present for next year’s production — as a member of the audience.
“Truly amazing”
All four interviewed students asked for prayers for good health as they enter their closing days of preparations and rehearsals and embark on the live performances.
“Certainly, prayers for health and safety for everyone in the cast and everyone on the stage crew,” Mr. Vossen added. “And also pray for a nice crowd!”
He expressed a collective thank-you to Ms. Pringer “for her countless hours of rehearsal and dedication to the production, along with all of our production team.”
Mr. Vossen has been serving as production manager and stage manager for Helias Catholic’s musical productions since the 1979-80 school year.
“I just can’t say enough about our kids,” he said. “Everything’s coming together and everybody’s playing their part. They are truly amazing.”
