WHS Players gearing up to present ‘Summer Shorts’
By Tom Ganser
Correspondent
The Whitewater High School Drama Department will be staging the spring musical, “Summer Shorts,” on May 21, at 7 p.m., and May 22 and 23, at 2 p.m., at the new Cravath Lakefront Amphitheater.
This will be the first live performance for the Whitewater Unified School District theater program since the WHS Players’ production of “Tales of Poe” which took the stage early in 2020. Fortunately, the persistent squawk of “Nevermore!” by the raven in the first terrifying tale performed then has proved to be incorrect when it comes to live plays in Whitewater – back again despite the pandemic.
Live music, singing, and dancing is what “Summer Shorts” is all about, offering a patchwork of whimsical and touching stories, skits, and songs about friendship, family, and summer fun from beloved movies and Broadway shows.
Laugh ‘til you cry, or cry ‘til you laugh. Either way, “Summer Shorts” aims to offer something for every member of the family to enjoy and it’s an ideal opportunity to celebrate the return of live entertainment while showing off Whitewater’s newest stage.
The show is directed by Jim McCulloch with musical direction by Elizabeth Elliott and technical support by Kat Dunham and Tony Hansen.
According to McCulloch, the primary reason for producing “Summer Shorts” is to keep the drama program relevant and to give students, especially seniors, an opportunity to perform live on stage.
“It has been a difficult year for everyone. This year’s graduates were at risk of losing out on the final performances of their high school careers. I can’t tell you how inspiring it has been to hear voices echoing through the halls of the school once again,” McCulloch said.
He said bringing people together again to share the joy of music, laughter, and a sense of community was another goal they aimed to achieve though this production.
“By performing at the new Cravath Lakefront Amphitheater I feel that we are providing our audiences with a safe and memorable experience as well as a reassurance that there are better days ahead,” McCullough said.
Elizabeth Elliott described this show as a great experience for all involved
“Myself included, because it has allowed us to work together again, make music together again, and create something again,” she said.
“As an artist, you notice when those things are missing, and it has been so amazing working with these students. The joy and energy they bring has been incredibly fun, and has raised spirits despite the trying times of this pandemic,” Elliott said.
Because this show is not a “typical” musical, she said it’s allowed many students to have solos, small group ensembles, and a variety of monologues.
“It has provided an outlet for students to work and mentor others, whether it’s helping with learning singing parts, dances, or making new friends and connections,” she said.
Admission to “Summer Shorts” is free, but reservations are required. Patrons must reserve a private “pod” to attend this event. Pods are 8′ x 8′ square outlines painted on the grass – spaced apart to help maintain social distancing – and each can seat up to eight guests. Blankets, lawn chairs, non-alcoholic beverages, and picnics are encouraged.
There are two points of entry to the performance space where guests can check in upon arrival. Ushers will then take them to their pods, which will open one hour prior to the performance.
In the case of bad weather, shows will be moved to the WHS auditorium.
Meet the cast and crew
The ensemble includes: Maggie Jay, Ella Willman, Lauren Rollette, Marco Wence, Madison Strickler, Josh Kirley, Skylar Staebler, Chloe Prince, Ben McCulloch, Cosette Wildermuth-Breitzman, Carter Waelchli, Anderson Waelchli, Haley Street, Ilana Lothes, Ayden Clark, Alex Sullivan, and Payton Bunger.
Stage crew members include: Alejandra Diaz-Gallegos, Emerson Dunham, Claire Tourdot, Sammie VanDaele, Lucas Scherer, Lucy Troxel, Emma Weigel, Cole Schlicher, Kayla Mikos, Abby Olsen, Gwen Yeager, and Keith Cameron.
Band members include: keyboard Liz Elliott (keyboard), Tim Hummel (drums), and Caleigh Judd (bass).
Actors Payton Bunger (Grade 8), Haley Street (Grade 11), and Cosette Wildermuth-Breitzman (Grade 9), explained that “Summer Shorts” is a collection of short skits and songs rather than a full play.
“It’s very different for me because it doesn’t revolve around a single musical but multiple songs from different musicals,” Bunger said.
“I think the biggest challenge is that it’s not just one musical. It’s songs and skits from a whole bunch of them. So where we usually all got one character to play we now each have several,” Street noted.
According to Wildermuth-Breitzman, it’s great to connect with people again.
She picked neopolitan as an ice cream flavor to represent “Summer Shorts” because “we do a little bit of everything and orange as a color because it is fun and bright.”
The color that comes to mind to Street for the entire production is “a bright grass green. It’s so lively and wonderful that every time I picture it, I can almost see rolling hills and people running around enjoying the best days of summer. I hope everyone else sees it like that too, because that’s what we’re going for. Haley Street.”
High school senior Ella Willman said the musical is a unique opportunity for those involved to shine.
“We are all so excited to share some of the first live theater in a while with the community,” Willman said.
Though admission is free, donations will be accepted and all proceeds will go to the Anne and Lane Kuske Drama Scholarship fund. This annual scholarship is awarded to a WHS graduate who is pursuing a degree in theatre.
To make reservations, call the WHS box office at 262-472-8178, or email: jmcculloch@wwusd.org for more information.
Looking ahead, the WUSD Summer School Playhouse will be performing “Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr.” July 8-9 at 7 p.m. and July 10 at 2 p.m.
