Selma High School Drama Club’s musical, Into the Woods, took place May 17th-19th at the Selma Art Center. This was Selma High School’s first time performing the musical.
It features a baker and his wife, a happy couple with no children. In exchange for a wish, they accept the challenge of going on a quest to retrieve ingredients that will bring a witch back to her youth. Through their wacky and whimsical adventures the musical puts its own spin on old fairy tales and characters introduced along the way.
The cast is a mix between high schoolers, a part of the SHS’s Drama club and high schoolers that are taking either Theater 1 or 2 , both elective classes provided by Selma High School. To keep up with the drama club for any upcoming play or musical productions, they can be found under their official TIktok or Instagram account. There, students post updates, teasers, and advertisements for upcoming works.
The actors and actresses to be featured in the upcoming musical all tried out in the beginning of the second semester. Most have differing reasons for trying out.
“I decided to try out because it’s something I’ve never had the guts to. I’ve always wanted to be involved in something big, and being an actor [has] always [been] something I’d love to try!” Lenny Davis, Jack’s mother in the musical, stated.
Lenny expressed that she’d always been shy, however it was time to try something new. Every actor had something they wanted to get out of the musical or something they looked forward to.
Senior Monika Trevino, who plays Cinderella’s stepmother in the musical, expressed that the part she’s most excited about is getting back onto the stage.
“I really look forward to the whole experience, this is my last year going back on that stage, and even though I’m very emotional about it I want to soak it all in for the last time,” Trevino said.
Emilyna Cantu on the other hand, who plays the Baker’s wife, is hopeful that the musical’s audience will get to enjoy the hard work the cast has put into their production.
“I’m looking forward to getting on stage and performing for all the people who come to watch. We’ve spent months and hour-long rehearsals perfecting this musical and I just want all our hard work to pay off,” Emilyna stated
Some students, like Daniel Echeverria, will incorporate their skills from being in a different kind of spotlight into their role. He plays both Princess Repunzul’s prince charming and Cinderella’s father.
“I have done small acting skits for Mexican Dance but this is the first time I ever did it on this scale. Also, this is the first time I’m singing,” Echeverria stated.
Other actors like Lainey Davis, have never been on stage before.
“Nope! This is my first ever performance in a musical, or a play at all!” commented Lainey Davis when asked if she had participated in a play before.
The actors do express some nervousness, like voice cracks.
“I’m very excited for the whole thing overall. But I’m nervous that my voice is gonna crack while singing!” Echeverria mentioned.
Before the curtain opens on show night, some actors have parting advice for anyone reading.
“Don’t let fear hold you back. It makes you miserable. Been postponing something? JUST DO IT!! Unless it’s something illegal..yeah don’t do that,” Davis advises.
“I want people to know that there is a place for everyone in the theater world. Whether you’re an actor, singer, or work backstage crew, there’s always something new to learn and take away from it all,” Emilyna stated.
Then, once the curtain closes, Jayden would like to leave viewers with the sentiment, “Never touch the witches beans.”
