It’s the last day of the 2017-2018 school year and everyone is worried about how fast the clock will tick to get to that 4:20 dismissal bell to go home, but these students await the big announcement. A group of theatre and choir students crowd into the auditorium while theatre directors Andrea Farnham and Bekka Glaze reveal the play for the upcoming musical for the 2018-2019 school year.

“We were in the auditorium and they started playing the first song of the [Little Shop of Horrors] soundtrack,” senior Macy Herrera said. “Everyone was guessing until we heard the chorus and we all knew exactly what it was!”

From there, students who intended to audition for the musical had all summer to prepare for their audition that would take place the following October. Students were expected to learn lines and music for their audition.

Starring in this year’s musical is freshman Elbert Haney, playing the role of Seymour, and sophomore Jamie Gammon in the role of Audrey. Other leading cast members are senior Macy Herrera as Ronette, senior Emilie Johns as Chiffon, sophomore Jocelin Wesley as Crystal, senior Emerson Rinewalt as Mr. Mushnik and sophomore Maveric Herrera as The Dentist.

“Performing as Audrey has been one of the biggest challenges in my acting experience so far,” sophomore Jamie Gammon said. “But when everything fell into place, it felt magical.”

The theatre program reached out to other teachers throughout the school to bring in their expertise to help improve the dynamics of the play. Dance teacher and assistant Sapphire director Stephanie Jackson choreographed all dance numbers that the audience will see during the play. Choir directors Nathan and Ashley Dame worked with singers and musicians that were a part of the production. All production members started rehearsal after the final cast list was announced back in October.

“We met several full days over Christmas break and then once school started again, we had after school rehearsal,” senior Emerson Rinewalt said. “[During] show week, we’ve had dress rehearsals full of singing, dancing and acting until 11 p.m., which tires us out. But I know it will all pay off when we put on a great performance.”

The public can experience Little Shop of Horrors Friday, Jan.18, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan.19 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Wylie East auditorium. Students can purchase tickets during lunch on Thursday and Friday or anytime online at www.wehstheatre.weebly.com.

“The whole process has been bittersweet,” Macy Herrera said. “I adore the program I’ve been blessed to be a part of. I’m so incredibly thankful for the directors, cast and crew of this show. It makes me proud to be part of this show, because it will absolutely leave a legacy and high standards for future Wylie East Theatre & Choir Productions.”