Masuk Free Press

BY CECILIA MACINTYRE

T- minus nearly 20 days until opening night of Masuk High School’s production of Footloose.  The countdown clock sets formidable challenges of staging a musical production within the short timeframe of seven weeks. With auditions commenced on Jan. 17 and opening night scheduled for March 21, the pressure is setting in on the students as time ticks relentlessly towards the looming deadline.

Tech rehearsals, also known as hell week to the cast and crew – a critical component of any theatrical production – are set to start within a few short weeks, adding an additional layer of urgency to the already bustling atmosphere.

“Everything’s moving right now. They’re currently building the set. So we rehearsed in the cafeteria yesterday,” said senior Audrey Lesko. 

Indeed, the pace is quick as the cast and crew work tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the production, from lighting to costumes, is meticulously orchestrated and executed to perfection.

“Right now we’re just doing smaller painting projects. When the rest of the set, the bigger set is built, like that’s when we’ll bring everyone in,” said junior Maddie Patti, emphasizing the importance of teamwork as they tackle smaller painting projects while eagerly awaiting the completion of the larger set.

Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle, students and staff find ways to work around their issues.

“Mr. Katz is probably one of the best people to [direct the play]. So him connecting with us and being like, ‘hey guys, I know you’re all anxious, I know you’re all worried, but we got it,  I got you, you got me, we’re good,’” said Lesko, reflecting on the invaluable guidance of the drama department’s stalwart leader, Micheal Katz.

It is this unwavering sense of unity and resolve that sustains the team as they navigate the turbulent waters of production.

“Theater is very hard to get a show up and running within the timeframe that we’re doing. But the kids are amazing. They’re learning the material, they’re going home and doing their homework, and they’re really putting in the effort to memorize the stuff that I’m giving them on a quick basis, a quick turnaround period,” said Director Katz. 

And despite the daunting timeline, junior Brody Pierson exuded confidence: “I’ve seen the other plays, like, they’re really good at it. I feel like we’ll just easily get this done.”

As the curtain rises on opening night, Masuk High School’s drama department will present their tireless efforts to judges of the Sondheim awards. Students, staff and the entirety of the drama department can get nominated for prestigious awards and compete with other highschools in Connecticut. 

Hard work truly pays off, so come and see Masuk’s production of Footloose on March 21!