News

For its spring musical, Geibel Catholic Middle-Senior High School in Connellsville will present "Sweet Charity," a story of perpetual optimism and hope.

This will be the 10th show for director Nick Bells, and after last year's successful "Beauty and the Beast," Bell plans to rise to the challenge of presenting another stellar performance.

"Last year was the best year that we ever had for a show, but then it was 'Beauty and the Beast,'" Bell said. "We're hoping for this year's show to be just as well-received."

Bell cast his show at the beginning of January.

He hopes to cash in on the show's Broadway success and the consequential revivals.

"It's not a show that has been done in the area lately and that's one of the reasons that it was chosen," Bell said. "I also chose a show that will utilize the talent that I have."

Bell had about 60 students in grades 9-12 try out for the show, and he found a spot for each one.

"If they come out for the show, I find something for them," Bell said. "If they take the time to audition, then I cast them. We have a good bit of kids involved."

"Sweet Charity" is the bittersweet saga of Charity Hope Valentine, a dancer who wants nothing but to be loved and to be happy, and naturally, seeks love in all the wrong places.

The show will please audiences of all ages.

"The music in this show is wonderful," Bell said, "and it's shaping up very well.

No show goes off without a hitch or two, and Bell has encountered his share, with a rash of colds, flu's and injuries plaguing his cast, and having to deal with the time crunch as opening night approaches.

"If we can just keep everyone healthy we'll be fine," Bell said.

The students practice at Giebel but the show is performed at the State Theater in Uniontown. The actors and crew will not begin to practice on the stage until show week.

"It's just something that we know we have to do," Bell said. "A lot of the kids are involved in other things in addition to this show. They have sports or other school activities, and they come when they can. Usually, I don't have a full cast together until opening night."

The two-act show will have a running time of about two and a half hours.

Many costumes are rentals, and the students came up with the rest on their own.

"These kids are doing a great job and this is such a fun, upbeat show," Bell said. "This is one of those shows that you will come away humming the songs."

• Most Read
• Most E-mailed
• Latest News