Auditions for the Catoctin High School Theatre Department’s upcoming production of James and the Giant Peach took place during the first week of December, with many brave students seizing the opportunity to broadcast their abilities. Overseeing these auditions were Mr. and Mrs. Felmet — accompanied by Mrs. Aungst and Mr. Kaas. No prior theatre or chorus experience was a requirement for participation or consideration. Potential cast members waited outside of the auditorium doors for their respective audition times to arrive. This wait served as its own part of the audition, determining if the attendees could remain quiet offstage. The mood was not competitive, but supportive; with more experienced performers welcoming new faces with open arms.
“Doug was giving everyone pep talks.” shared junior Ezra Ligsay, who was present for the auditions on December 2nd. Senior Doug Whitworth played the leading role of Seymour Krelborn in last year’s spring musical Little Shop of Horrors. An actor since Elementary School, Doug was able to supply encouragement for others anxiously awaiting their auditions.
The results were posted on the bulletin board outside of the band room on December 6th, revealing not only the cast of the musical, but the crew as well. Each year, the spring musical makes a variety of behind the scenes jobs available for students. Stagehands, puppeteers, set designers, costume and makeup artists, light operators, and sound technicians are crew-cial to the show’s success — pun intended. Junior Jack Fordham is exploring the realm of theatre for the first time this year — previously assisting with CHS’ November production, Pygmalion. Jack took charge during the fall play, demonstrating natural leadership skills. For James, he was selected to be the set build manager. As the holder of this management position, Jack will oversee the construction of new sets and props for the show.
“I am very honored that I am able to fill such a role,” he said. “…my goal is to do my best to create a wonderful set that people will look at and go, ‘wow, that’s awesome!’” Despite being new to the theatre scene, Jack is very excited to get more involved.
While the audition results were a source of excitement for many, sophomore Andy Bentz — who was selected to play the lead role of James Henry Trotter — felt a plethora of emotions at the sight of her name on that list. Andy didn’t even get a chance to inspect the results before being pulled into a hug!
“I’m still kind of shocked I got it; but also overjoyed!” she offered. Andy is a member of the International Thespians Society, and her previous roles at Catoctin include Ms. Paddy in The Curious Savage and a member of the ensemble in Little Shop of Horrors. Although she was almost the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz at Thurmont Middle School, this is her first time taking on a leading role. The sophomore didn’t deny how nervous she was to take on such responsibilities.
“I have so many people who are relying on me now…” Andy admitted. “[I was] reading through my script and oh my goodness — so many lines.” These fears temporarily subsided when she called her mother to inform her that she’d gotten the part. Andy’s mom was reportedly very supportive and excited, shouting “yay!” in celebration.
Senior Kaitlyn Bartlett was the costume manager for last year’s Little Shop of Horrors and will wear this title once again for James and the Giant Peach. Kaitlyn and her returning assistant, Falyn Zimmerman, were the only members of the costume crew during Little Shop.
“It was rather stressful being the only two people but it brought both me and her closer,” Falyn remarked, reflecting on her partnership with Kaitlyn. “We helped each other each chance we could and I think that helped keep the stress from overflowing.” Fortunately, the duo will be joined this year by Mariah Slick and Colin Jaecksch.
“I love Bartlett. Bartlett is awesome.” Mariah said. “I’m so excited [to work with her,] I sounded really sarcastic but it’s true.” Mariah sounds sarcastic, but it’s true.
The theatre department seems to be embracing many newcomers this year. James Trotter’s wicked aunts, Spiker and Sponge — who are sisters — will be portrayed by real sisters Brynn and Rehgan Lee. While Brynn is a veteran of spring shows, appearing in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as well as Little Shop of Horrors, current freshman Rehgan has yet to partake in a high school production. This will change on March 28th and 29th, when she debuts as the comedic Aunt Sponge.
“I’m excited,” she said. “I’m actually really surprised; I did not think I did very well at my audition.” Rehgan was active in musical theatre before arriving at Catoctin.
“I did chorus in elementary school… and then I did two years of chorus in middle school,” she added. “I’m in concert choir this year.” Evidently, singing has been a passion of Rehgan’s for several years now.
“I’m very excited to see what I can do… I feel good.” It’s assuring to see so many participants sharing this positive attitude.
