Two Hancock County high school theater groups are putting the finishing touches on their musical and dramatic productions. Here’s a look at what’s coming up.
Mt. Vernon High School goes modern with “Millie”
FORTVILLE — To see Mallory McKeeman in the opening scene, you might think you were watching “Oklahoma” instead of “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Mallory, as lead character Millie Dillmount, arrives in New York City from Salinas, Kansas, with a plan to get a city job and marry the boss.
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Click here to purchase photos from this galleryMallory’s long yellow frock and large-brimmed sunhat were indeed worn in Mt. Vernon’s last spring production of “Oklahoma,” but it isn’t long before the first of Millie’s two goals comes to pass: she ditches the country look for a short dress and bobbed hair. “Thoroughly Modern Millie” is underway.
Mt. Vernon Drama presents “Thoroughly Modern Millie” today through Sunday in the auditorium at Mt. Vernon High School, 8112 N. County Road 200W. Performances today, Friday and Saturday are at 7 p.m.; Sunday’s early evening performance is at 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students.
Senior Leah Peters loves playing the part of Miss Dorothy, best friend of Millie.
As a senior, Peters has just one more show before her high school theater career ends.
“I’ll carry the memories through my life,” she said.
Kaylee Johnson-Bradley plays the part of Muzzy, played by Carol Channing in the 1967 film. Describing herself as “quiet and shy,” Kaylee had to work to become the “loud and expressive” Muzzy.
She watched the Broadway version of the musical on YouTube and practiced in the mirror to adopt her character’s mannerisms.
“I had to change who I am,” Kaylee said. “I tried to be outgoing at school to fit into the role. It not only helped me with my role but helped me socialize with other people.”
Millie’s plan to marry her boss isn’t the only plotline in the show; Millie and Miss Dorothy take up residence in the Priscilla Hotel, run by Mrs. Meers, played by senior Maggie Brown.
Mrs. Meers, with the help of Ching Ho (Emerson Bridgewater) and Bun Foo (Brady Westfall), is in the business of kidnapping single women and shipping them off to China as part of a white slavery ring. They have Miss Dorothy in their sights as the next victim.
As Ching Ho and Bun Foo, Emerson and Brady converse and then sing in Chinese, with subtitles flashing overhead.
Lindsay Davis, who now directs and choreographs the production, credits faculty member Yi-Fan Lin, who teaches Mandarin Chinese, with creating authentic dialogue.
For more information, visit MV Theatre on Facebook.
New Palestine High School’s favorite family gets wed
NEW PALESTINE — It’s a moment most families face with mixed feelings — finding out their daughter is getting married.
The time can be a joyous yet frightening proposal as parents watch their little girl grow up and move on with another family.
Now imagine the scenario for the Addams Family, the ghoulish group based on the classic 1960s Addams Family television show, with daughter Wednesday Addams, who’s all grown up, accepting a marriage proposal from a dreadfully normal guy.
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Mt. Vernon High School
“Thoroughly Modern Millie”
Thursday through Sunday at Mt. Vernon High School, 8112 N. County Road 200W, Fortville.
Visit MV Theatre on Facebook for showtimes and ticket information
New Palestine High School
“The Addams Family”
Friday, Saturday and Sunday at New Palestine High School, 4485 S. Victory Drive, New Palestine.
Call 317-861-4417 for showtimes and ticket information
Eastern Hancock High School
“Backstage”
Friday and Saturday at Eastern Hancock High School, 10320 E. County Road 250N, Charlottesville
Call 317-467-0095 for showtimes and ticket information
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