Students of Notre Dame Regional High School will show their acting and footwork skills in the musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," while a neighboring school, Saxony Lutheran High School, is preparing for its most elaborate musical yet, "The Wizard of Oz."

Based on the movie of the same name, Notre Dame's choice of musical is known for its high energy and displays of athleticism, especially in the famous "challenge dance," which features the six youngest brothers competing against other men for their soon-to-be wives.

This musical was an opportunity to put more of the young men in the spotlight, said Cindy King, director of over 40 musicals at Notre Dame.

"Most shows have lots of girls in them and feature them more," she said. "But this year we have a lot of strength in our guys and we wanted to show that off."

The guys are good dancers, King said, and they enjoy it just as much as the girls because they usually aren't given as many opportunities to dance.

"I think the guys, and even the girls, get into it because it's something they've never done before and probably won't do after they leave here," King said. "It's not like basketball or a sport where you can just get a couple of people and play anytime. Theater isn't like that."

After some encouragement from friends, Notre Dame senior Tyler Hulshof tried out for the musical and was cast as the oldest brother, Adam. It's challenging at times, he said, but fun.

"There's always so much going on," Hulshof said. "Like the challenge dance. It lasts 22 minutes and it's just straight athletics the whole time."

Freshman Amber Vandeven, who plays Adam's wife Milly, said she always has had an interest in the performing arts and enjoys the experience.

"It's fun working with everyone and all the cast gets along really well," Vandeven said. "It's a fun show."

Although many in the audience will probably walk away talking about the choreography and the students on stage, King said she hopes people still give credit to the "forgotten warriors" of the production crew.

Sydney Thuirer, sophomore and assistant director and production manager of the show, said working as a member of the crew has given her a new respect for those working behind the scenes.

"Time management is the most difficult part," she said. "I'm coming in to help the production crew, then sticking around for the rehearsals as well, so it's a lot of work every week."

Despite the hectic schedule, Thuirer said she loved the work and plans to continue participating in future musicals, both on and off the stage.

This is the second time the school has put on this production, and King said many school alumni and original cast members already have made plans to attend the newest show.

"The first time we did "Seven Brides" was back in 1966, and a lot of people that were in that show are excited to come back and see what we're doing this time," she said. "I think everyone will enjoy the musical, it's always really popular."

The show will be at 7 p.m. today through Sunday in the Notre Dame cafetorium. All tickets are $10 and may be purchased by calling 335-6772, extension 311.

Dorothy, played by Jacquelyn Kiefner, is off to see the Wizard, along with the Scarecrow, Ben Spiecker, left, the Cowardly Lion, Landon Petzoldt, and the Tinman, Elwood Voss, in the Saxony Lutheran High School production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Toto is played by Little Bear. (Fred Lynch)

Saxony's production of "The Wizard of Oz" will feature 31 elementary students from surrounding schools cast as the munchkins.

Filling extra roles with people outside of the high school is nothing new, said director Tammy Petzoldt.

"We're a really small school," she said. "So we fill roles with Saxony students first, then ask people in the community to step in and help fill the rest."

It's not just the acting that requires volunteers. Musicians from Perryville, Mo., and other surrounding areas also are lending their talents to the live orchestra that will accompany the musical.

Community and parental involvement always have been key to the success of Saxony's performances, Petzoldt said.

Parents, like Karla Kiefner, who has been involved in the school's musicals for six years, step up to help with set building, costume design and more.

"The parents have different resources to help do different things," Kiefner said. "Like one parent this year does graphic design and volunteered to make some posters, which was great."

Danielle Childers portrays the Wicked Witch of the West in the Saxony Lutheran High School production of “The Wizard of Oz.”

She also pointed out that the musical is self-supportive, receiving no money from the school, and depends on the help of others. Kiefner and Petzoldt agreed volunteer efforts this year have led to the school's biggest production to date.

"The students have always wanted to do 'The Wizard of Oz,' which is quite a show when you think about costumes, set and people," Petzoldt said. "I'm always amazed when we go into a project not knowing if we'll have the talent or volunteers necessary, but we always have great talent and great support at Saxony."

Junior Jacquelyn Kiefner is one the "seasoned veterans" of Saxony's high school productions, and will play Dorothy in the musical. She said the large cast is one of the show's biggest appeals.

"There are so many people and it's so colorful and just really involved," she said. "It's going to be a fun show that people of all ages can enjoy."

Even though most people are already very familiar with "The Wizard of Oz," Kiefner said it's always nice to hear a story with a happy ending.

Petzoldt has no doubt the musical will be a success with the audience.

"I'm feeling pretty good about it," she said. "We still have a few details to work out this week, which is pretty par for the course in the final days of any show, but we'll be ready by opening day."

The first show will be at 7 p.m. Friday, followed by shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, all at the Perry Park Center Theatre in Perryville. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children and students in high school. Tickets may be purchased at the door or by calling Saxony Lutheran High School at 204-7555.

srinehart@semissourian.com

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265 Notre Dame Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO

800 City Park Drive, Perryville, MO