Bethlehem-Center High School to present musical for first time in over 25 years
Submitted photo
Pictured are Lauren Zelnis as Ella and Brandon De la Torre as Topher in Bethlehem-Center’s production of “Cinderella.”
Chelsea Weid (left) as Marie, Lauren Zelnis (right) as Ella and the “Cinderella” ensemble perform for a student group at Bethlehem-Center.
Bethlehem-Center High School students are excited to be taking the stage this weekend to perform the first musical put on there in over 25 years.
Debra Young, vocal director of this year’s musical “Cinderella,” said she has been teaching at Bethlehem-Center for 30 years and, finally, through the push of students as well as herself and other teachers, they are finally performing.
“I believe when the (previous) director retired (decades ago) they did not replace him or her, so there were just no more musicals,” said Young. “They tried several times to do a play, but it just did not keep interest.”
As a choral instructor, Young said she has an outstanding group of choral students at the district’s middle and high schools who are very talented and participate in the High School Show Choir as well as PMEA choral festivals.
“This was the perfect time to start a musical,” she said. “The music department at Bethlehem-Center is the best kept secret in Washington County. Now we can finally showcase our students and their talents.”
Alyssa Gilgiotti is directing the musical this year and said it was because a group of students showed initiative that bringing back musicals became a reality.
“There was a group of students, led by Lauren Zelnis, that petitioned the school board to reinstate the Drama Club during the 2017-2018 school year,” Gigliotti said. “Following that, the first play in about 10 years was performed, with students expressing a desire to eventually do a musical, which was the initial plan when reinstating the Drama Club”
Following the 2018 play, all involved were certain that they would be doing a musical the next year and so began planning for it.
The work involved to make this a reality has been exciting, but also challenging, especially trying to work within a budget, Gigliotti said.
“There was a lot of fundraising done this year by a wonderful booster group organized by parents,” Gigliotti said. “Additionally, finding all the materials, set, costumes, etcetera, was a difficult process aided by wonderful support from neighboring high school theater programs and volunteers.”
She added that they have had the benefit of having Zachary Ardabell volunteering as technical director for the show.
“He designed the sets and worked with the stage crew and some cast members to build the set.
“Additionally, we have parent volunteers that are assisting with the process, and we’ve had support from other school districts, including Ringgold School District, Gateway School District, Carmichaels School District, and Laurel Highlands School District that have allowed us to borrow costumes and set pieces,” Gigliotti said.
She added that the students are very excited to have the opportunity to participate in a musical this year.
“Students from all grades in the high school are participating and are excited to continue to create musicals,” Gigliottie said. “Additionally, this year we involved several middle school students in the show, spreading the excitement and joy of performing to the younger students as well.”
Last year Gigliotti directed the play, “Play On!” and is excited to take on the role of director for “Cinderella.”
She said many factors went into the choice of “Cinderella” as the comeback musical, including student ability, orchestration, and audience appeal.
And students were excited with the choice, with a good turnout for auditions. The main cast includes 10 characters and there are about 25 students in the ensemble cast.
“There was a great turnout for auditions and many talented students are involved with the show and are excited to continue to be involved in future performances,” Gigliotti said.
The leads include: Lauren Zelnis (senior) as Ella, Brandon De la Torre (senior) as Topher, Chelsea Weid (junior) as Marie, Amber Harvey (junior) as Madame, Jeweliana Whiskey (sophomore) as Gabrielle, Allison Dobrinski (freshman) as Charlotte, Max Malanosky (junior) as Sebastian, Reed Piper (freshman) as Jean-Michel, Macayla Traverso-Bloom (senior) as Lady Pinkleton and Kaplyn King (sophomore) as Lady Pinkleton.
The show is scheduled for 7 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday in the high school auditorium. Limited tickets will be available at the door for $13.
“I am so excited to be the vocal director of this year’s musical,” said Young. “From the singers, orchestra members, stage crew and student directors, I could not be more proud and excited.”