The show will be performed March 12 and 13 at 7 p.m., and March 14 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at swcs.seatyourself.biz.

BUILDING A FAIRY TALE

For director Christine Beichner-Miller, now in her 16th year leading Southwestern’s musical, choosing the right show is like solving a puzzle.

“I knew we had a contingent of boys who could really anchor this show,” she says. “And I wanted something fun with a fairy-tale vibe. If we could build a literal fairy tale on stage, what would it look like?”

That question sparked months of preparation. Students began constructing set pieces, transforming raw materials into castle walls and storybook settings. In another corner of the school, pit musicians rehearsed challenging scores. Stage managers mapped out cues. Lighting and sound technicians programmed effects to match each comedic beat.

“The kids put in tons of time, inside and outside rehearsals, and they all do other activities, too. It’s incredible to see,” Beichner-Miller.

MORE THAN MEMORIZING LINES

Rehearsals aren’t just about learning dialogue and choreography. They’re about collaboration.

George Marshall, who plays Sir Harry, says the experience feels completely different from athletics.

“It’s exciting and humbling at the same time,” he says. “But the best part is the teamwork and being around everyone before and after the show.”

For Alex Watkins, who portrays the largely silent King Sextimus, preparation looks a little different.

“Instead of memorizing lines, I’m memorizing cues and actions,” Watkins explains. “It’s about making sure the audience understands what I’m trying to say without speaking.”

Meanwhile, Cameron Case, who takes on the bold Princess Winnifred, has found herself growing alongside her character. Case, who admits she’s pretty shy, said playing an outgoing character has helped her get outside her comfort zone.

Adriana Bango, cast as the Wizard, says much of the show’s success depends on chemistry.

“The dialogue is so funny,” she says. “It really depends on good stage presence and timing.”

PRECISION IN THE WINGS

While audiences focus on the spotlight, another kind of performance is happening in the shadows.

Stagehands like Lilly Scarzone and Cassidy Jones carefully track every movement from behind the curtain. A missed cue can throw off an entire scene change.

“It can be very stressful,” Lilly says. “If you don’t get your cue on time, it can really affect the show.”

Set pieces must glide on and off stage seamlessly. Props need to appear at exactly the right moment. Lighting shifts must hit on cue with a musical note or punchline. Every transition is choreographed — even if the audience never notices.

Still, the backstage crew shares in the same camaraderie as the cast. Between cues, they hum along to songs and quietly celebrate each smooth scene change.

A PLACE TO BELONG

With around 80 students involved, from performers to technicians to musicians, the production brings together a wide cross-section of the school community.

“It’s a little like The Breakfast Club,” Beichner-Miller says. “Students who might not normally spend time together come here and find something to appreciate about one another.”