A variety of performances that promise to be entertaining are scheduled for area high school stages.



Bedford Area

“Guys and Dolls”

In this classic musical, familiar characters gambler Nathan Detroit, high-roller Sky Masterson, Salvation Army gal Sarah Brown and Detroit’s girlfriend Miss Adelaide revolve around an incarnation of a floating craps game.

Well-known songs include “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” and “Luck Be A Lady.”

“We feel that we have built an excellent ensemble. We are excited to see how they work together to create a magnificent performance.”

Aaron Biller, co-director

“ ‘Guys and Dolls,’ with its upbeat musical selections and hilarious situations, will be sure to become one of your favorite musicals.”

Melissa Palko, co-director

“The students involved in the arts programs in Bedford never cease to amaze me.  Although credit is due to the talented actors on the stage, I would also encourage everyone to come and appreciate those students who have worked and will be working behind the scenes on set design and construction, lighting and sound, makeup and participating in the orchestra.”

Nikki DiBuono, co-director



Berlin Brothersvalley

“My Favorite Year”

It is 1954, and Benjy Stone, a freshman writer for the hottest show on television, “The King Kaiser Comedy Cavalcade,” is assigned the daunting task of baby-sitting his childhood hero, Alan Swann – once a veteran Hollywood swashbuckler, now a washed-up actor – while Swann is preparing for a guest appearance on the show.

“My Favorite Year” begins with a brief glimpse into the behind-the-scenes chaos before the show goes on the air.

The story quickly shifts to the writing process for the next weekly show. The zany antics of the comedy writers and their egos go awry as each writer tries to come up with jokes faster and funnier than the others – each aspiring to be King Kaiser’s favorite.

When it’s show day, the cast and crew ready themselves for the chaos of the final preparations essential to broadcasting live. All is going as planned until Swann discovers the true meaning of the word “live.” His insecurities get the best of him and he storms out of the studio.

Meanwhile, the show has started and 20 million people are glued to their TV sets waiting for Swann to enter ... and waiting ... and waiting.

Through this whole experience, Benjy has lived and learned considerable lessons, causing him to realize that 1954 was “not my best year,”  but “My Favorite Year.”

“The cast of ‘My Favorite Year’ has begun rehearsing and is quite excited to introduce audiences to a lesser-known gem of the musical theater world. ‘My Favorite Year’ features many roles and is heavily comedic, which the students are enjoying thoroughly during rehearsals. The cast is already doing a wonderful job developing characters onstage and working hard to learn vocal parts and choreography to an unfamiliar score. We are blessed with a dedicated, hardworking, talented cast of over 65 students and look forward to showing you our favorite year in April.

Kati Spiri, director



Bishop Carroll Catholic

“Schoolhouse Rock Live!”

Tom, a nerve-racked teacher who is concerned about his first day of teaching, sits down in front of his television in the wee hours of the morning to relax before his big day, when various characters representing facets of his personality emerge from the set and show him how to win over his students with imagination and music through such beloved “Schoolhouse Rock” songs as “Just A Bill,” “Lolly, Lolly, Lolly” and “Conjunction Junction.” Throughout the show, Tom gradually gains confidence in his teaching skills and is finally ready to teach his students about math, history and grammar through song.

“Choosing this show was the perfect fit for me, being a new director. I chose this show because, even though the music was written before my time in the ’70s, I grew up on these lessons. Our cast brings these songs to life with the energy and love for the show as countless generations have experienced while turning on their favorite morning television show, ‘Schoolhouse Rock!’ ”

Gabbi Hertzog, director



Bishop McCort Catholic

“The Wizard of Oz”

Always a great musical. The story, by L. Frank Baum, was partly inspired by Baum’s childhood love of Grimm’s Fairy Tales and partly by his desire to provide his four young sons with something a little more exciting to read than the ponderous fiction available at the turn of the century in the United States.

While the characters have become standards, so have the fabulous musical numbers that enchant all who hear them.

Among the classic songs are “Over The Rainbow,” “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead” and “We’re Off To See the Wizard.”

“This show has been a joy to work on. The cast has been excited every day to sing these songs from their childhood, and they are having so much fun.

“From the first day we started until now, all involved have been happy to be a part of this experience. We are working hard to produce a high energy show that will remind everyone that ‘There is no place like home!’ ”

Kelly Mack, director



Blacklick Valley

“Follow That Rabbit – The Wonderland Story”

From the moment the first note sounds, the journey through the amazing Wonderland takes hilarious twists and turns. First, Alice must safely make her way through her tumble down the rabbit hole. Once in Wonderland, Alice encounters talking animals, animated flowers and zany royals who are sure to keep audiences rolling in the aisles.

From races to nowhere to a forest filled with a magical cat and caterpillar, Alice’s adventures are sure to be a delight.

There’s also the insane tea party where manners and kindness are missing from the menu. The pepper-loving cook and the duchess also serve up laughs for the entire audience.

The story ends with the trial of the Knave of Hearts, who allegedly stole the Queen’s tarts.

The songs are infectious, the dialogue insane and the story a classic. In Wonderland, you can enjoy a world of nonsense that makes perfect sense.

“This adaptation of the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ story is pure entertainment. The story includes all the familiar characters with enough twists and turns to keep the audience sitting on the edge of their seats.

“Simply put, this show is just plain fun – for kids of all ages!”

Jessica A. Strazisar,

music theater adviser



Cambria County Christian

“The Last Pirate of the Caribbean”

Shiver me timbers. Ghosts and monsters, psychoanalysis, sleep talking and a whole lot of intrigue play out at the Wiki Resort. Nothing is as it appears at this poor excuse for an island getaway. There are a couple wealthy snobs who are on their honeymoon (or are they?), a retired psychologist, an Australian drifter, a mute cook

– and Jarvis, a pirate. A treasure is still out there, and he’s bent on finding it. Problem is, so are the wealthy “honeymooners.” It’s game on, as Jarvis races the landlubbers to get the elusive booty. They forage for it, find it, fight over it, fumble it and find it again when all seems lost. Biblical truths are sprinkled throughout the humor. Dinner guests will try to decipher the mystery and guess the culprit.

“This year’s drama will be the final performance for many of our seniors who have been performing in our plays since seventh grade. We will be honoring them at our Friday performance. We have a wide range of talent this year, and the students are working hard to learn their lines. The drama has humor mixed in with biblical qualities."

Bonnie Berkebile, director



Conemaugh Township Area

“Crazy for You”

In “Crazy for You,” a stage-struck New Yorker, Bobby Child, is sent to a small, poor town in Nevada to close down the local theater. Soon, Bobby falls in love with the theater owner’s daughter, Polly. In order to save the theater, he dreams up the idea to put on a show to raise money for the theater. In the end, the town is reinvigorated, the theater is saved and Bobby finds love.

Memorable Gershwin tunes include “I Can’t Be Bothered Now,” “Bidin’ My Time,” “I Got Rhythm,” “Naughty Baby,” “They Can’t Take That Away from Me,” “But Not for Me,” “Nice Work if You Can Get It,” “Embraceable You” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.”

“It’s a high-energy comedy which includes mistaken identity, plot twists, dance numbers and classic Gershwin music.”

Mari Grace Covert,

vocal director



Conemaugh Valley

“The King and I”

The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic is the story of an English schoolteacher, Anna, who has been summoned to teach the King of Siam’s brood of children. The king has been known as a harsh and feared ruler for some time, and it is up to Anna to not only educate his children but teach him how to love again while keeping their Eastern and Western values and traditions in tact. The show is based on the novel “Anna and the King” and features some of the most familiar Rodgers and Hammerstein songs, including “Hello Young Lovers,” “Getting to Know You” and “Shall We Dance.”

“Even though Jean Arcurio (musical director) and I have been directing together for 11 years, this is uncharted territory for Conemaugh Valley. We are usually known for doing more modern shows. However, we have three seniors that we had to showcase one last time before they moved on, and ‘The King and I’ seemed like a perfect fit. Two out of the three seniors have been with us since seventh grade, and one missed one year and then came back because they missed it so much. Seniors Mike Meketa plays the King of Siam, Nikki Stahl plays Anna and Matt Sumrada plays Lun Tha. A cast of 39 students from all grades round out the cast and crew, and we have put out an open call for those in the student body who are a little shy and don’t want to speak or sing to participate by being extras in the show.”

Brian Empfield, adviser



Everett Area

“The Sound of Music”

In pre-war Austria in 1939, the seven children of the Von Trapp family encounter Maria, their singing governess.

Their widowed father, Captain Von Trapp is engaged, but Maria falls in love with him.

His fiancee breaks off the engagement when the captain refuses to back down to Nazi Germany, and Maria and the captain confess their love to one another and get married.

The Von Trapp family is scheduled to perform in the Kaltzburg Music Festival, but the captain has been served his commission into the Nazi Naval Service and is being closely watched.

After its performance, the family manages to escape over the mountains into Switzerland.

Classic songs include “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” “The Sound of Music” and “So Long, Farewell.”

“It has been a great privilege to work with such a wonderful group of students this year. So much time and effort goes into producing and directing a show, and the students put in just as many long hours rehearsing for the production.

“We are looking forward to presenting this classic musical for the community.”

Sean B. Cogan,

vocal music director



Ferndale Area

“Legend of Sleepy Hollow”

An adaptation by Vera Morris follows the original story by Washington Irving. Schoolmaster Ichabod Crane comes to the farming community of Sleepy Hollow looking for a good life and a wealthy wife. Instead, he finds the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel, her jealous boyfriend, Brom Bones, and the Headless Horseman.

“Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a traditional adaptation of the classic Washington Irving tale of the headless horseman, with several humorous scenes and characters. However, it still maintains the traditional frightening quality that we all look forward to seeing. Stand-out seniors this year are Kelly Howard as Katrina Van Tassel, the love interest of both Ichabod Crane and Brom Bones. This is Kelly's first year in the school play, and she is doing an extraordinary job. John Kurchak, senior, plays the rough and tough practical joker of Sleepy Hollow, Brom Bones. Finally, senior Colton Dull adds humor and leadership as Ichabod Crane, the new schoolteacher in Sleepy Hollow.”

Jessica Szymusiak, director



Greater Johnstown

“Into the Woods”

Several well-known fairy tales  are intertwined into a matchless musical experience. Following the life of a baker and his wife, classic fairy tale characters, including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel, are twisted into an exciting and heartfelt adventure that’s fun for the whole family.

“One of the things that I love about this show is the everyday lessons that are pointed out through the eyes of fairy tale characters. You get to see some of their ‘real life’ qualities that make you look at their stories from a different perspective.”

 Mike D’Angelo, drama director

“ ‘Into the Woods’ is a fantastic example of modern musical theater. The show is almost entirely sung and features an award-winning musical score.

“We also are incorporating a ‘surprise’ change to our production where the story is told from a slightly different perspective, further fitting the message and theme of the show.”

Adam Bukosky, music director



HOPE for Hyndman Charter School

“Larceny and Old Lace”

In this hilarious spoof of the classic “Arsenic and Old Lace,” Harold Peabody’s aunts are gambling in Las Vegas while Harold stays at their home to watch over his eccentric Uncle Charlie, who thinks he is a pirate and is constantly burying treasure in the basement.

When the local bank is robbed and the FBI comes knocking at the door, a bag of money is discovered. The aunts claim they stole it from a casino. Then Harold’s jailbird cousin shows up with his own bundle of money and the FBI hot on his heels.

“This year’s production, the first for the newly launched HOPE for Hyndman Charter School, is a true collaboration.

“Not only is the show co-directed, but many other members of the faculty have jumped on board to help with everything from play selection to set construction. This hard work from the faculty and the students is nothing new to HHCS.

“We were birthed from this same hard work and dedication. This hilarious romp of a show is a great way to celebrate the school and the art of theater.”

Melissa Dague and Zane Leydig, co-directors

Johnstown Christian

“Smoke on the Mountain”

The year is 1938. It’s Saturday night in Mount Pleasant, N.C., and Reverend Oglethorpe has invited the Sanders Family Singers to provide an upliftin’ evening of singin’ at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. The United States is in the last years of the Great Depression. Organized religion is at its peak.

Mount Pleasants’ principal industries are farming and pickle production, but the Mount Pleasant Pickle Plant has started to lay off people at an alarming rate due to the economy. The Sanders are appearing after a five-year hiatus from the gospel-singing circuit. The audience is invited to pull up a pew and join in the rollicking good times. More than two dozen songs, many of them vintage hymns, and hilarious stories from the more or less devout Sanders provide a rightly entertaining evening that has audiences clapping, singing, laughing and cheering.

“It’s an extremely exciting year since we are doing our first musical in seven years, and with such a joyful and uplifting message, ‘Smoke on the Mountain’ is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Although we are still in the early stages of production, the cast is doing a superb job, with lots of laughs all around.”

Angela R. Godin, director



Ligonier Valley

“Honk the Musical”

Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling,” “Honk!” tells the story of an odd-looking baby duck, Ugly, and his quest to find his mother.

Soon after his birth, the duckling is seduced away by a wily cat who wants to eat him for dinner. Ugly manages to escape and encounters a beautiful swan tangled in a fishing line. After saving her, the two birds fall in love, but the swan must return to her flock and fly south for the winter.

When Ugly’s mother finds him frozen in the snow, her warm tears thaw him, and he comes back to life as a handsome swan. Ugly is reunited with the swan he loves, and the two live the rest of their days together.

“Many people do not know this newer musical. It’s based on the story of ‘The Ugly Duckling.’ 

“I would label the show a heartwarming comedy with a positive message about being yourself and not caring about what others say about you. We have more than 50 students involved in the show this year, including students from the elementary and middle schools.”

John Gregorich, director



North Star

“Once Upon a Mattress”                             

A hilarious retelling of the fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea.” Queen Aggravain has ruled that no one may marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, has found a wife, but she has managed to sabotage every princess who comes along.

When Sir Harry and Lady Larken learn they are going to be parents, wed or not, Harry goes off to the swamps and brings back Princess Winnifred – Fred to her friends.

The queen is horrified, but Winnifred isn’t going to be quite so easy to banish from the kingdom.

“With support from the North Star School District and community, our artistic and talented students offer this year’s production, ‘Once Upon a Mattress.’ This year, we welcome Rachel and Biff Baron as the directing team of our musical show. With their leadership and the talents of our fabulous production team, we anticipate new ideas and know that the audience can anticipate a quality production.”

Kathy Shaffer, producer



Northern Cambria

“Death by Dessert”

In New York’s Little Italy, the Donneducci family and the Duccedonni family have been feuding for a generation while operating two competing Italian restaurants that share a common wall.

As the curtain rises, the building’s landlord is shown dead at center stage, and everyone is suspect – from the old-world Italian grandmother and Mafia don grandfather to the passionate chefs and bumbling waitstaff.

Flashing back in time, the story is told by its victim, who alternately narrates and participates in the action.

Will the murderer be found?

Will the feud ever be reconciled? It’s an offbeat comedic mystery that will be sure to delight audiences with its fast-paced, entertaining story.

“We are very happy with the progress that the students have made with the play. They are all working very hard, and we are expecting a great show. If people want to relax and have a good laugh, come on out and support our kids.”

Tina Lombardo, director



Purchase Line

“Beauty and the Beast”

A Disney classic that tells the tale of an enchanted prince in the shape of a hideous beast and the intelligent beauty who enters his life and must learn to love him if the curse is ever to be broken.

“A musical theater production at PLHS is traditionally a truly wonderful bridging of school and community. Now in its 16th season, PLHS music theater is proud to be presenting the Disney tale older than time,  ‘Beauty and the Beast.’

“Sure to provide an enjoyable evening of family entertainment, our cast, crews and designers are already hard at work to ensure that this year’s production is the best yet at PLHS.”

William R. Pearce, co-director



Richland

“Oklahoma!”

A Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, this love story, set in the American West in the early 1900s, was the first collaboration between Broadway legends Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein.

It is the story of a handsome cowboy and pretty farm girl against the backdrop of a high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys.

Familiar songs include “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” “I Can’t Say No” and “Oklahoma!”

“They rewrote the rules for musical theater in the ’40s when this came out. Richland’s cast of 55 will present the show in its original form, and the show will feature a full orchestra. The show stars junior Toby Nordlund as love-struck cowboy Curley McClain and senior Tiffany Haymaker as his love interest, Laurey.

“Toby has worked hard to come a long way, and he pulls the role off. He’s so believable to the audience, and the audience is just going to fall in love with Tiffany.

 “At points during rehearsals, we look up and say, ‘Is that voice coming out of these kids?’ 

“They put their hearts and souls into the show, and they sound phenomenal.”

Scott D. Miller, director



Rockwood Area

“Rockwood Rocks”

Rockwood has not had a play in years, and the production is about the process of getting a play back to Rockwood.

Times have changed, and the cast is going to have a long-distance learning director who does things the old-fashioned way.

“There’s a song remix, and what they like now, they find out was from the ’50s to the ’80s. It’s a comedy of sorts, and it entails everything that can go wrong, and it does.”

Betty Lou Svonavec, director

Shanksville-Stonycreek

“Ask Any Girl”

Set in 1960, this comedy is about a girl from Pennsylvania who has just graduated from college and moves to New York City.

Her goal is to get a great job, meet a great man and get married.

The action takes place in the lobby of the all-girl rooming house where she is staying.

“This play provides actors with great character development opportunities.

“The theme of 50 years ago still holds true today, and many in the audience will be able to identify with characters on the stage.

“It should be a great night of laughs.”

 The Rev. Jay E. Shaffer, director

Terese Triol, assistant director

United Area

“Into the Woods Jr.”

In this student-sized musical,  characters Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and his beanstalk and The Witch all meet and interact on their fairy-tale journeys.

The sophisticated score has been adapted to make it easier, but still challenging, for young performers, with little dancing and no chorus.



Westmont Hilltop

“The Pirates of Penzance”

An operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan, it is subtitled “The Slave of Duty.” It’s a hilarious farce featuring overly sentimental pirates, bumbling policemen, a pair of naïve young lovers, a group of air-headed daughters and servants and an eccentric major general. 

In the beginning of the play, a young apprentice of the pirate band has reached his 21st birthday and is celebrating his release and looking forward to searching for a suitable young maiden to marry and begin a new life on shore. He surprises a bevy of young maidens and their servants on a beach and instantly falls in love with one of them. The pirates also have discovered the young maidens and surprise them to find that they are the daughters of Maj. Gen. Stanley. Because the pirates will not attack anyone who is an orphan, Stanley plays upon their soft-heartedness and lies that he is an orphan so the pirates will leave him and his daughters alone.  

“One chooses ‘Pirates of Penzance’ when one has a great many excellent voices to showcase, and this is certainly true for Westmont Hilltop this year.

“The operetta style and the fast-paced farce is well within this group of students’ abilities, and the audience will hear it from the first musical number to the last.

“Al Pelliccioni has designed a set in the historical style of a Gilbert and Sullivan production, utilizing painted flats and featuring a historic feature on Westmont’s stage – the footlights. Because the lyrics carry the clever writing of A.S. Gilbert, Westmont’s cast is endeavoring to deliver all the lyrics with

100 percent accuracy and wit.

“The audience should come prepared to escape to a simpler time and enjoy a very funny piece of classic musical theater.”

Elizabeth Good,

producer and music director



Windber Area

“Peter Pan”

It’s James Barrie’s version of the musical about a boy who refuses to grow up. Peter Pan brings three children to Never Land with the help of the fairy Tinkerbell.

The enchanted island also is home to the Lost Boys, Tiger Lilly and her American Indian nation and the scheming Captain Hook, who is Peter’s arch nemesis in a struggle between good and evil.

“The play was selected based upon the amount of students that we had expressing an interest. At Windber, we also like to incorporate the elementary school students, so we try to select a musical that is school-friendly.

“The students really seem to enjoy the show this year. We have a lot of fun dances that were choreographed by a senior student that the other students seem to really enjoy.

“For myself, it is really enjoyable to work with students in grades 5-12 and watch how the students truly step into their characters and make Peter Pan and his Neverland friends really come to life.”

Clarissa Thomas, director

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