OPENING NIGHT AT EHS

All the hard work and sweat has paid off. The costumes are being fitted and the stage is set. Makeup is being applied and all of the Ladies-In-Waiting and Knights are doing a last practice to the “Spanish Panic” before the curtain goes up. There are vocal and physical warm-ups for all the actors. And don’t forget the mike checks. Excitement is in everyone’s face and opening night jitters are being calmed by the director. Last minute preparations are being made; props and spotlights are being checked. “Is my costume on straight? Is my makeup on right? Where are my shoes? I think I forgot all my lines! What happens when I get on stage?” These are all the questions that fly through the dressing rooms. And, of course, every question has a positive answer. This is the “magic” that happens when opening night arrives. It is a special time for everyone. You can feel the electricity in the air. The orchestra is tuning up and you can hear the audience behind the big main curtain. Then it happens, the overture has ended and the curtain rises. The lights come up. The Mary Rodgers, Marshall Barer, Jay Thompson and Dean Fuller smash musical Once Upon A Mattress is ready to begin. There is no feeling like it in the world.

This is the moment that the actors at Elmhurst High School have been working on for the last 10 weeks. Opening night! “I am so happy to have been part of this wonderful experience,” says senior Rene Rogers. “It’s been fun!” chimes senior Nathan Driscoll. “My whole family is coming to see it,” quips sophomore Amanda Walchle. “I am so excited about this,” sophomore Kim Snyder happily blurts out. Everyone in the cast enjoys one another and respects one another. The whole cast works as an ensemble and there is a tight bond between everyone.

The director, Maggie Kole Hunter states, “Working in a musical or any play for that matter, brings people together. Everyone is working toward a common goal. I am very fortunate. The cast for Once Upon A Mattress has been a treasure to work with.”

So come on out and support these fine young people and applaud their efforts when you see the best musical to come to Waynedale/Fort Wayne. Once Upon A Mattress runs Friday, March 24th and Saturday, March 25th with a 7:30pm curtain time at Elmhurst High School auditorium. Tickets for all performances are $8.00. For ticket information and reservations, please call 425-7510 extension 169.