My Fair Musical

Abby Becker - Staff Writer
March 19, 2010
Filed under News

Faint strains of “Wouldn’t It be Loverly” and quaint cockney accents can be heard filtering down the halls of Westminster in the afternoons. Lingering musical notes may intrigue a few wandering students and cause them to peer into the windows of the Little Theatre after school and witness a host of students transforming an ordinary theatre into the rainy streets of London from the musical My Fair Lady.
A committee of teachers, parents, and students choose the musical each year. Once the musical is chosen the audition process can begin.
“It’s the hardest part of the musical,” said Allen Schwamb, musical director.
Three significant contenders auditioned for the male and female lead and showed their shining talent on the stage.
“It was the longest deciding process I’ve ever seen,” said Forrest Hughes who plays the part of Alfred Doolittle.
The intense audition process takes place over a week with a set of callbacks.
“It was pretty brutal. I’m a junior, and I was up against seniors for the role. It was kind of really intense,” said Maggie Johnson, who plays Eliza Doolittle.
According to Hughes, the cast works well together during practices.
“I think there is a good vibe. There isn’t anyone new, so everyone has been together before,” said Hughes.
Veteran actors and their past experience performing together greatly benefit rehearsal time.
“They seem to work really well together. We have a good cast and chorus,” said Schwamb.
Practices are held at Westminster, although the final performances are at DeSsmet High School’s theatre. The change of location can be difficult to adjust to, but Schwamb is confident that it will not be a problem.
“I can map out the stage pretty well here [WCA]. There’s always some readjustment,” said Schwamb.
Westminster’s spring musical, My Fair Lady, debuts Thursday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. as well as Friday and Saturday at DeSmet Jesuit High School Theatre.