VWHS prepares for production of musical

VW independent/submitted information

Van Wert High School is currently rehearsing for its upcoming production of Titanic, the Musical (ensemble version), which will be performed April 7-9 at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio.

Peter Stone wrote the story and book, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, and orchestrations by Ian Weinberger.

Titanic, the Musical was originally produced on Broadway by Dodge Theatricals, Richard S. Pechter, and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The musical focuses on the passengers and crew of the RMS Titanic as they set sail from Southampton, England, for America. Their story of strength, love, friendship, and determination will inspire as people reflect on the journey of one of the greatest shops in history.

The cast and crew of the production include the following students: LeAndryce Miller, Jakob Schaufelberger, Davis Munroe, Madison Buecker, Austin Carnahan, Noah Miller, Michaella Johnson, Nick White, Anna Reichert, Mikayla Hernandez, Elizabeth Lassiter, Cade Chiles, Sandy Nguyen, Joe Linser, Sarah Linser, Zach Blakeley, and Aeris Blakeley.

Also, Cloey Spry, Lexi Ayers, Korey Oechsle, Austin Voors, Brady Place, Hanna Kraner, Kathryn Wray, Kaylin Bledsoe, Madalyn Riley, Maggie Davis, Meagan Jacobs, Rachel Davis, Haley Richardson, Jena Rex-Larue, Sharayah Eddins, Carli Boroff, Madison Turnwald, Emma Verville, Valerie Barnhart, and Ashley Duer.

Joining the high school student cast are eight Van Wert Middle School and eight Van Wert Elementary School students.

Stage crew consists of production manager Shianne Baldwin, stage manager Shelbee Miller, assistant stage manager Erin Richardson, Alaina Alvarez, Lexi Allmandinger, Erienne Cassidy, Nick Olson, Haley Walker, Katie Able, Bailey Day, Lauren Cooper, Abbey Bradford, and Lillian Geething.

Titanic, the Musical is directed by Melissa Bloomfield. Danielle Slagle is the assistant director, while Katey Gamble is choregrapher, Hugh Saunier technical director, Josh Schumm set director, Matt Saunier lighting director, and Caitlin Walker costumer manager.

Showtime for the production is 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 7-9, at the NPAC.

Parents of students in the cast and crew, along with VWHS Theatre patrons, can purchase tickets starting March 1. Reserved seats will be available. The general public can purchase tickets starting March 8.

Tickets are $8 apiece and can be purchased to stopping by or calling the NPAC box office at 419.238.NPAC. Tickets will be available at the door.

Titanic, the Musical (ensemble version) is presented by arrangement with Tams Whitmark Music Library Inc., 560 Lexington Ave., New York, New York.