Mt. Pleasant drama department wraps the Wedding Singer

The Mt. Pleasant High School Drama Department has now completed its presentation of the musical, The Wedding Singer.

Troves of citizens filled Mt. Pleasant’s Heatilator Performing Arts Center between March 17-20 to watch the high school students’ performance of the hit musical based on the 1998 film starring Adam Sandler.

The production was directed by Mt. Pleasant High School Vocal Director Marlene DePriest.

Musical goers got a taste of the sights and sounds of the mid 80s, all the way from the hair, costumes, music and 80s humor to the different environments created by the casts and their lively colorful performances.

The show, which took a lot of preparation with everything from remembering lines, choreography, and set building is all thanks to the kids DePriest said.

“These kids are just amazing,” DePriest said. “That’s why I do what I do. It’s all about the kids. Obviously, I like to do theater and direct them, but watching the growth that takes place from day one into the performance is whats truly amazing.”

For the students, it’s been a joy to hear all the laughs and seeing so many people come out and enjoy the performances.

“It’s really cool to show everybody what we’re doing,” Andrew Rauenbuehler, who plays Robbie Hart said. “It’s a ton of work and a lot of time, but to put all this work into it it’s just a lot of fun. To have a show go well and laugh and to see people enjoy stuff, it’s really cool.”

Elle Ballard, who plays Hart’s grandmother, Rosie, in the musical said there’s nothing more gratifying than getting to put on the show.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than being able to show everyone what we’ve been spending so much time on,” Ballard said. “Definitely a lot of blood sweat and tears when into this show. A lot of hard work and a lot of hours. It’s definitely worth it to go out there and show it off.”

Not a minute went by where the crowds of people that packed the auditorium were not laughing, which is something that fuels the performers said Robbie Heaton, who plays Harts friend and band mate Sammy.

“The rush of energy you get when you deliver it” (a comedic line), Heaton said. “When you deliver a good joke and the audience starts dying, it’s one of the greatest feelings.”

Bryton Weir, who plays band mate and friend George said it’s feels like they’re giving something back to the audience when they perform.

“Doing this almost feels like we’re giving back,” Weir said. “Like we’re giving them a laugh. We’re up on stage and it’s like, we’re doing this for you. You gave us this and we’re gonna show you what you’ve done for us. Here’s our time to show you.”

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Andrew Rauenbuehler, Robbie Hart

Robbie Heaton, Sammy

Bryton Weir, George

Natalie McCormick, Julia

Izabell Yoder, Holly

Kade Welcher, Glen Guglia

Elle Ballard, Rosie

Summer Schroeder, Linda

Jordan Crook, Angie

ENSEMBLE

Thanh Phung

Jackie Tansey

Victoria Smith

Elaina Holtkamp

Isaac Jerrel

Johnny Mahavong

Emma Wagenknecht

Grace Van De Berg

Krystal Osorio

Madeleine Smith

Kylie Morizot

Jayden Housh

Kaleb Upton

Paige Sexauer

Kylie Walderbach

Abbey Perry

Brooklynne Snavely

Persephany Lane

Haleigh Staats

Preston Smith

Julia Kinzer

Will Sloan

Alexis Wagner

Abby Blint

Ida Feldbinder

Brandon Burtlow

Hannah Reinier

Katherine Tansey

Kayleigh Montgomery

Madison Helling

Mary Peterman

Leah Weaver

Zoey Carlsen

BEHIND THE SCENES

Marlene DePriest, Director

Kyle DePriest, Choreographer

Dawn Wiley, Set Design

Gayle Olson, Costume Design

Jim DePriest, Pit Orchesetra Director

Danny Muhs, Stage Manager

Adam Creager, Rehearsal Accompanist

Leo Clark, Poster Design

Malia Anderson - Emma Denning, Light Crew

DeRene Bromell, Sound Tech

PIT BAND

Adam Creager, Piano

Colin DePriest, Keyboard 2

Taylor Stoddard, Keyboard 3

Jolynn Keomanivong, Saxophone

Kionna Parrish, Trumpet

Drake Landau, Guitar

Jim DePriest, Drum Set

Hali Crane, Percussion