The theater schedule for the 24-25 season definitely does not disappoint, with fun and exciting shows planned. From the classics of composer Stephen Sondheim to the jukebox wonders of songwriter Dean Pitchford, the theater team will be doing it all with their plays and musicals this year.
The season schedule goes as follows: One Act, Jr. High One Act, Into the Woods, the AHS Spotlight series, Annie Jr., Footloose and lastly, the Senior Showcase.
All of these shows have their own unique premise and feel, as all of them are very different types of productions. “Into the Woods,” widely regarded as one of Stephen Sondheim’s best works, follows the lives of various fairytale characters and the wishes they make, including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, the Witch, a baker and his wife and more. This classic delves into the premise of how far we will go in order to get what we want. Heritage’s adaptation is unique, as director Mr. Clay Cartland is taking it in a new direction. Instead of keeping it in the fantasy setting it was written in, he is putting a 1920’s steampunk twist on the beloved classic. When asked what inspired this new twist, Cartland replied, “Funny enough, [steampunk] was never the idea. We wanted to keep the show more industrial, like America in the 1920’s. [We wanted] the woods to take on an identity of their own.”
“Footloose,” adapted from the iconic 80s movie, is a musical with songs from the “real world” being implemented into the show, also known as a “jukebox musical”. Classic songs you hear on the 80s station, such as “Holding out for a Hero,” “Dancing in the Streets” and “Almost Paradise” are woven into this musical. Cartland, when questioned about a signature twist to this show, said, “There are definitely going to be some fun new elements in Footloose. It’s still lightyears away, but we’ve talked for days about collapsible sets, musical numbers with roller skates and disco balls. That said, if you’re coming just to hear the iconic songs and see some stellar choreo… we got you.”
Cartland’s unique spin on shows has been praised by the theater community, with his adaption of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” being nominated for over 15 Cappies, an awards program that has over 881 show reviews submitted on average each year statewide. At this prestigious awards ceremony, shows are nominated for awards based on certain characteristics, similar to awards shows such as the Oscars or Emmys. Getting even one nomination is cause for celebration, let alone fifteen, so this was a huge accomplishment on Heritage’s part.
Cartland has only directed one season of shows at Heritage, yet, according to American Heritage students, his impact here has already been great. He stated that he never planned to be a theater teacher, yet when his sister told him about the job, he immediately jumped to accept. “My favorite part is seeing the growth of the young actors. The first day of rehearsal the phrase I hear the most is ‘Is it okay if I do blank?’ To which I always tell them to stop asking me and just do it. After a while though, those questions fade out and the actors just start doing. ”
The theater program at American Heritage is such a great environment to grow in, from actors learning to embrace themselves onstage to tech crew learning how to work in a team, as well as the audience enjoying the work their friends and classmates have put on. The shows, teachers and program itself are always evolving and changing, yet, according to so many children in the theater program, it always feels like home.
In Cartland’s last production, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” the director put a spin on the show by adding 80s themes in his set and costume design. “It’s so fun to direct, I love when kids open up and just start acting,” Cartland said. (Photo/Lorraine Ryan)
