Matilda De La Rosa Vargas (287)

The annual school musical has left a remarkable impression on countless Central High School students, staff, and families. Featuring the famous play, Little Shop of Horrors, originally written by Howard Ashman, the CHS performing arts and stage crew presented their relentless effort and skill throughout the last week of January after performances were rescheduled due to the excessive snow. 

Countless weeks of practice helped performers like Ashana Chevalier (287), who played one of the six Street Urchins, feel prepared for the stage – although the aggressive snowstorm, admittedly, tickled some nerves. For actors performing solos, the temperature drop could dramatically affect their vocal performance. Ashana added, “imagine performing an entire musical in front of a crowd when the last time you practiced was almost a week ago.” Even so, the thick tension was nothing compared to the excitement of performing. Lead actors like Nicholas Gofman (287), Raina Arcado (286), Nathaniel Rose (288), and Orin Rossos (286) – playing Seymour, Audrey, Orin, and Mr. Mushnik, respectively – from the Crimson cast brought their characters to life with their stage presence and vocal talent. Recognition is due to the Gold cast as well, with Alison Haydu (287), Michael Smith (286), Micah Nielson (288), and Lo Ang (287), who had outstanding performances. 

The orchestra and stage crew worked hard behind the scenes to make the performance flow effortlessly, and the costume and set designers lit up the stage! Every person who participated in the making of the performance deserves so much praise for their hard work and dedication. The audience support does not go unnoticed: many Central students and families came to cheer on the cast and make the week memorable. 

One freshman lead cast member, Nathaniel Rose (288),  handled himself with professionalism and the energy that portraying his character required. Playing through a technical malfunction with his mic, his impressive performance captivated all those present and left many complimenting his and his fellow castmates’ improvisation for days afterwards. Ashana believes that when considering the hard work everyone put into the musical, it’s not confusing why “the audience loved it.” No matter whether you were behind the scenes, in the record booth, or front and center, everyone played a part in bringing the musical to life – but next time, let’s keep Audrey II inanimate!