The curtain opens, the lights shine, and the characters take the stage in full costume.
Production for the Illinois Valley Central High School spring musical, “Hello, Dolly!” is much more than just learning lines, creating emotion on stage and speaking in a voice which can be heard clear at the back of the IVC auditorium.
So, just how many people does it take to pull off a successful musical?
Behind the scenes, many people put in countless hours to make sure that the 2010 production proved a success, said long-time director Bob Howell.
The long lists of those willing to donate their time and effort include a hoard of IVC students, faculty members, individuals and business people within the Chillicothe community.
A constant and easily recognizable figure at the piano, Jane Harms has accompanied IVC thespians for many years.
IVC choral director Angie Dorough conducts members of the pit band, which this year included Brianne Daly, Sarah White, Rebekah Durig, Staci Buster, Katie Stieghorst, Jim Mitchell, Katie Shaw, Josh Rose, Nicole Giardina, Brandon Phelps, Tyler Sutton and Nolan Wilson.
“The pit band put in many hours to learn the music to make the show a success. After all, what is a musical without the music,” said Howell.
Setting up the props and making sure all items are in place for each scene depends on the backstage crew, which only appear when the curtains close.
Taking charge this year were Drew Lemke, Carlie Lavallee, Christian Papach, Cynthia Davis, Dylan Johnson, Jessica Joyce, Meri Terpstra and Miles Targosz.
“Drew Lemke and Carlie Lavallee were in charge of the backstage crew,” said Howell. “These kids worked every bit as hard as the cast. They practiced moving the set pieces around night after night until they got it down. They are literally the unsung heroes of the show, without whom the show could not go on.”
Each scene requires a different backdrop, with many hours going into building and painting of scenery to help make the play believable.
“Joe Binstock got his construction classes to build the set and they did an excellent job,” said Howell. “They take it quite seriously and even come to the show to see the fruits of their labors. They are very proud of what they are able to accomplish. This involves kids that otherwise would not be involved in theater.”
This year, many IVC students and adults lent a hand to the project, including Jake Adams, Ian Gatlin, Brandon Earnest, Louie Hoerr, Derek Jordine, Scott Ladd, Aaron Lunini, DJ Hummer, Chris Martin, Colton Roberts, Jake Sarver, Gavin Steiger, Zach Wall, Cody Witherspoon, Prince Dorough, Mike Greer, Paul German, Amy Greer, Josh Curry, Jaci Willis, Mike Gray, Dylan Johnson, Joe Binstock and Shirley Loser.
