They had a fall production around Thanksgiving – and now they’re ready for their next show. The Oley Valley High School Drama Department has announced “Curtains” as its spring musical.
Public shows will be held on Friday, April 15, at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, April 16, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; tickets are $10. The Senior Citizen Preview Performance will be held Thursday, April 14, at 9 a.m.; tickets are $5. All shows will be held in the Oley Valley High School Auditorium.
“Curtains” is based on the book and concept by Peter Stone. Set in late 1950s Boston, the story involves the murder of an actress on her opening night. There’s a detective, doubling as a theater fan, looking to solve the case and perhaps gets tangled in a love affair.
The drama department’s new musical director – Stacy Lyons – says she chose “Curtains” because kids are drawn to the comedy and the murder-mystery story gives them “a fun arena to play in.”
“It’s a musical within a musical,” said Lyons, adding how the production had a short run on Broadway back in 2007, receiving many award nominations and winning a Tony Award. “It’s so much fun – that’s what I want for these kids.”
The cast and the chorus are heavily involved throughout the entire production. She explained how there’s some dialogue, but even more dance numbers. “There’s an opportunity for lots of kids to get involved,” said Lyons. “Everyone is involved.”
There are 40-50 students participating, with four to five rehearsals held each week.
Embracing her first year as director, Lyons worked as a parent volunteer in the past and thought this would be a fun year to get involved. She’s helping to build the department at the school as they acquire new equipment to work with.
“We’re making the theater-world heightened at Oley,” she said, noting that the school administration has been supportive and she works with coaches to avoid conflicts. Parent volunteers have been helping with ticket sales and sets.
This year tickets are available online and everyone can pick their own seat.
“The kids’ commitment is amazing,” said Lyons.
As a part of a promotional effort, the students involved wrote small bios about why they are participating. To meet the cast and stay up-to-date with the department’s latest news, follow the OVHS Drama Department on Facebook.
Auditions for “Curtains” were held before winter break. Students were given scripts and they started rehearsing the first week of January. Since then, they’ve been “running, running, running, and perfecting.”
To reserve seats, visit <www.showtix4u.com> or call 484-336-9404.