Students Find Their Passion In Fall Musical At Justice High School

LAKE BARCROFT, VA — Before high school students dazzle audiences with a musical or play each fall and spring, it takes a lot of preparation and rehearsals well in advance of the shows. The challenges of preparing for a production became harder during the COVID-19 pandemic, from decreased participation in extracurriculars to dealing with tighter budgets. In Fairfax County, Justice High School's Wolfpack Theatre hasn't been immune to those impacts.

But students say participation has grown as Justice High School prepares for its fall musical, "Disney's Beauty and the Beast." The cast and crew of about 90 people will put on the production from Nov. 9 to 11 as they hope to attract larger audiences to keep its theatre program afloat.

"Many theatre and performing arts departments across the county are working to restore our programs to pre-pandemic conditions," theatre teacher and director Jewel Schrader Orem told Patch. "But, [I am] happy to say this is by far the biggest show we have done in the last three years."

Schrader Orem said preparation for the fall musical began last spring when tech students developed designs for sets and program participants began collecting costumes. Over the summer, the teacher met with musical director Emi Eiting and choreographer Kendall Huheey to start planning the play. Casting took place in time for rehearsals to start in August.

"This is a joyous show to do, and it is wonderful to see the students coming together to create this wonderful production," said Schrader Orem. "It feels like theatre is finally back and here to celebrate life."

Kyle Aylward, a sophomore, is making his musical debut as the Beast. He says preparing for the musical takes hours of rehearsal after school and practices the songs in his head other times. Working with his cast mates has been a positive experience, since they don't yell at each other when mistakes are made.

"It is my first musical and my nerves are off the charts. But I’m excited to try something new," Aylward told Patch.

Laura Stoker, who plays Lumiere and is also in charge of the TikTok account for the theatre program, has enjoyed making new friends and playing alongside her friend Maggie playing Cogsworth.

"I grew up watching this movie and I was actually the one who recommended we do this show so the fact that we're able to do it and make it happen is amazing," said Stoker.

Senior Elias (Elijah) Kassa, who is playing Gaston and is building crew supervisor, knew he wanted to play Gaston because it would be a fun role.

"For myself I spent almost my entire summer studying the music of the show, watching the original 1991 and live action movies, and watching an onstage performance of the very show at Chicago Shakespeare Theater," said Kassa. "I wanted to see the creative choices other people had made to see what I liked, what worked, and of course what didn’t work; then integrate the parts I liked while also bring my own flair as to not plagiarize an entire show or character portrayal."

Stephen Blackadar, an assistant stage manager and member of the crew, explained how it is "harder than one may expect" to prepare for performances.

"We've had to build many new set pieces for this show, purchase elaborate props and costumes, and prepare challenging lighting and sound situations, in addition to the many hours put into practicing each scene," said Blackadar. "Regardless, it is a very rewarding experience, especially as the show comes together at the end of the production."

Nour Abbas, a senior, playing Marie/Plate as well as crew roles, said "this show in particular has been putting us all to work." Parents and teachers have also contributed their time to help.

"Acting wise we have multiple days a week dedicated to vocal, dance, or blocking rehearsals," said Abbas. "Other than rehearsals we have our dedicated tech crews who have spent hours building and painting the set, making and finding props, sewing our amazing costumes, and stage management keeping us all in check and making sure everything runs smoothly."

For these students, theatre is a crucial school program helping them work toward career aspirations. For instance, Kassa is applying to collegiate acting programs and conservatories, including Juilliard.

"Theater, and more so the art of storytelling, has intrigued me from a young age and grown exponentially with age," said Kassa. "Through acting, through being in these stories, every show leaves a lesson, an imprint on what it means to be…human."

Schrader Orem said theatre teaches students how to present themselves confidently, speak to be heard, produce something from start to finish and work in groups. Students have the chance to learn specialized skills like graphic design, painting, set and lighting design and more.

"There's a lot of people in theater right now who want to peruse theater as their career so having this experience and opportunity to act is helping them build up their acting background and grow in all aspects of musical theater," added Stoker. "At the same time, theater is helping a lot of people who want to go into other careers by building communication and confidence skills and just having an experience of working on something big and putting hard work into it."

"Many students here at Justice are looking to pursue theatre as a professional career, and their unique dedication to the shows are very impressive to witness," added Blackadar. "From what I've seen, theater truly makes all those who participate better people."

The skills learned in theatre don't just benefit students pursuing theatre careers. Abbas, who wants to become a teacher, has experienced a confidence boost.

"Being a part of theatre really benefits you for life after high school. It gives you beneficial speaking skills and allows you to think critically and creatively," said Abbas. "Through acting and tech you learn fundamental skills of confidence, collaboration, and leadership. The work you produce is more than your own, it’s the dedication of a group."

The students encourage support for theatre and the arts. That starts with attending the fall musical.

"Supporting the arts is very important in schools because it gives kids a way to express themselves," said senior Sophia DePasquale. "It gives kids an automatic friend group and support system."

"It’s so important to have an outlet to hang out, be yourself and feel safe in school," The theatre gives that space," added Magdalena Briggs. "It allows students to be themselves and creative, and really create the character they want to be."

Kassa is excited to make "Beauty and the Beast" his final high school musical performance, as it is filled with "amazing songs," fun for adults and kids, and "Disney magic."

"I love this show to death and the fact that it’s my final musical in my high school career is a wondrous send off to what has quite possibly been the most fundamental and important part of my life this far," said Kassa.

To learn more about Wolfpack Theatre's "Disney's Beauty and the Beast," visit wolfpacktheatre.org.