Drama prepares for ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ musical

From Feb. 28 to March 3, the drama department will perform “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” a musical with a much more lighthearted story line than the dark fall play “The Crucible.”

“Our fall play this year was incredibly serious, so part of the reason I chose this musical was to provide a contrast to that,” drama teacher Sarah Thermond said. “I’ve been joking with the students that we need to cheer our audiences up.”

According to Thermond, the musical, which entered Broadway in 2002, is a contemporary show based on the film of the same name, “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” The musical is about a small-town girl who travels to New York City during the 1920s, seeking fame and money, but ends up finding out that some things are much more important.

To prepare for the musical, auditions were held from Nov. 28 to 30. There was a three-part audition overseen by Thermond, choreographer Susan Dini and music director Jim Yowell.

“There’s a lot to consider because you are trying to not only find the best person for each role, but you are trying to make the strongest cast overall as well,” Thermond said.

The students will need to be trained in more dance classes to prepare for the musical. Thermond plans to utilize the dancers more and help those who do not dance gain more experience. Tap classes, which started on Nov. 6, have been offered on Tuesdays after school for free in the Thermond Drama Center.

“I think [the musical is] a good opportunity to show the students that good comedy is very precise and specific,” Thermond said. “This script also includes so much humor, but the characters must be played honestly for it to be effective. We have a lot of great comedians at this school, and I want to see what happens when they combine that with a set script and heartfelt story.”

Drama student junior Annelise Nussbacher adds that “Thouroughly Modern Millie” is different from the last musicals that the drama department has done.

“‘South Pacific’ was a very classic 50’s ‘yeah-happy-fun-sunshine musical,’ and then ‘Jekkyl and Hyde’ before that was like ‘death,’” Nussbacher said. “[‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’] is pretty lighthearted and a warm story with romance, fun and scandal.”
Nussbacher believes that most students can relate to this play and get a great laugh out of it.   

“One thing that I think will make it really special is that it plays for and against racial stereotypes, particularly with Asians,” Nussbacher said, “Everyone at this school will enjoy it because [stereotypes and prejudice for being Asian] is something that a lot of kids at this school face regularly.”

Students were auditioned on dancing, singing and trying out scenes from the show. There are just under 40 students total in this play. Junior Manini Desai will be playing Millie, a young woman from Kansas whose goal is to marry wealthy rather than for love. Senior Ethan Drohan is cast as Jimmy, an attractive young salesman who doesn’t take pride in his wealth. Miss Dorothy, Millie’s best friend, will be played by senior Gabby Crolla.

Directing the musical will be different from the fall play because Yowell will be teaching the vocal parts, Dini will be teaching the dancing and Thermond will be in charge of the scenes and making sure that everything fits well with the story.

“How I approach a show really depends on my cast and what kind of energy they bring to rehearsals, but given how comedic this musical is, I think it’s safe to say that we will have a lot of fun working on this show,” Thermond said.