The lights slowly dim, as the surrounding noise of the whispering audience diminishes and becomes silent. The spotlight turns on and shines the stage. Soft music begins to play. The auditorium, packed with families, friends, students, and teachers, sit quietly in anticipation and await the opening scene. 

The PLHS drama department is conducting their annual spring musical, of the play “Aida”, in late March and drama students have continuously worked hours on end to make the musical a showstopper. 

The musical “Aida” is a story about an enslaved Nubian princess and her obligation to becoming the new ruler of her people, all while being conflicted about her forbidden love for the Egyptian captain.  

The captivating stories of the school plays have always drawn the attention of students. Drama students have found the desire to be part of the school plays since their early years of high school. 

“I loved watching ‘Footloose’ my 8th grade year which made me want to try out for the musical,” sophomore chorus member Ethan Kellogg said. “I really liked [‘Mamma Mia’] last year”. 

The production of the musical begins months before their performance, during their auditions. Students audition in early December and used their own personal methods for perfecting their task. 

“I learned the song in choir and practiced it every day for a week or two and I practiced it at home,” said sophomore dance ensemble member Elena Nickerson. “We learn the dance the day of auditions so the best thing I can do is go in with a positive and open mindset and just focus and do the best I can.” 

Other students prepared for auditions in a similar approach. 

“I practiced my monologue in front of my parents,” Kellogg said. “So, I wasn’t nervous and didn’t forget it.” 

After a few short days, waiting in hopefulness, the deserving drama students received the exciting news that they had made a role for the musical.  

It was now time for the long months of hard work and preparation to create a musical that would exceed everyone’s expectations. 

Rehearsals for “Aida” take place after school Monday through Thursday. 

“Getting closer to the show, we run the it straight through. We do half the show a day and stop to fix things if necessary,” Nickerson said. “There’s plenty of downtime where we can talk to people and hang out too.” 

The long hours of rehearsal lead the people involved with the musical to become a close family. 

“I enjoy the friendships you gain with upperclassmen and other people you have never met,” Kellogg said. 

With opening night of the musical fast approaching, students are becoming eager to perform in front of an audience. 

“I look forward to making the audience feel something as they watch the show, as well as just being on stage,” Nickerson said. “The story we are telling is incredible. Performing is a thrill and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it.” 

Having a role in any PLHS drama production create lasting memories that will live on with the lives of students for the rest of their lives. 

“Some people underestimate how much it really takes to put on a show,” Nickerson said. “We all work to put on a fantastic show, and we make so many memories.” 

As time passes by and opening night of “Aida” comes closer than ever, PLHS drama students will always have the world as their stage.