The Thespians Club will perform the Spring musical “Anything Goes” with a new addition: a live orchestra.
Before 2020, theatre performances included an orchestra playing live music, referred to as “the orchestra pit” despite the auditorium not having a physical pit for musicians. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the tradition did not continue. Instead, music recordings have played in the background of performances for the past five years.
Thespians Club sponsor and theater teacher Caroline Miller said she wants to continue the tradition and carry the art of live music on through her career.
“I don’t know what year it stopped, but I knew when I started working here I wanted to reincorporate the orchestra pit,” Miller said. “This is because our programs are a lot heavier on the younger ages. Starting to build them up now with the orchestra pit is such a great opportunity.”
Miller said she is excited for the change and is working to fix any kinks.
“I know it’s going to be a big change for a lot of them, especially the orchestra kids because they are used to only playing without anybody singing along,” Miller said. “They’ll be playing along with a background track that our vocal director will be recording. I’m expecting it to be difficult, but it always comes together in the end. I am optimistic that, even though it will be difficult, it will come out great.”
Students from the orchestra group will play along with the musical and set up cues for actors and actresses on stage. Freshman John Murphy will play the violin in the orchestra pit during the musical.
“I think [the orchestra pit] will be cool because it will show more of the students’ talents,” Murphy said. “I’m only scared that someone will mess up, but with the recording in the background as well, I’m sure it will go smoothly.”
Seventh grader Brady Jones will be performing in the ensemble group. Jones said he is excited to see the results, but is worried about malfunctions.
“People may become too reliant on the conductor, which makes me worried because we’re supposed to be thinking ahead,” Jones said. “Otherwise, the musical will be very well-done. I think with everyone working so hard it will be a great show.”
The orchestra group and Thespians Club have been working since December to prepare for the upcoming musical.
“I’m hoping that we can continue to use the orchestra pit and, over time, start incorporating other things,” Miller said. “I want everyone to come and see the show. We’re putting a lot of work into this, so I want to fill all of the seats.”
By Emma Lewandowski
