A classic Broadway musical is coming to the stage at Madison High School this weekend, and students are taking on major leadership roles both on stage and behind the scenes.
Director Ryan Snelgrove says he chose “Meet Me in St. Louis” because he wanted to introduce audiences to something different.
"We've done some great shows in the past, and I've wanted to do something new that Madison hasn't done," Snelgrove said.
The musical is based on the classic 1944 film and follows the lives of the Smith family in the years leading up to the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. According to Snelgrove, the show's themes of family and everyday life make it relatable for modern audiences.
"Exalting the everyday is what I'm hoping people will get from this particular show," Snelgrove said.
Students have also played a major role in producing the show. Snelgrove says students helped design lighting, construct set pieces and serve in leadership positions throughout the production.
Among them is junior Peter Robbins, who serves as both a performer and student director.
"I'm like Mr. Snellgrove's right-hand man," Peter said. "I do anything he needs."
Peter says working as a student director has given him opportunities to contribute creatively beyond performing on stage.
"I get to share my ideas and be more creative and help create something that will entertain an audience," he said.
Senior Melody Palmer, who serves as the school's drama council director while also performing in the show as one of the sisters, says theater provides valuable leadership opportunities for students.
"We just try to help make a good culture for all the students who are in the show,” Melody said.
The production highlights collaboration and personal growth among students.
"I love that theater brings so many different people together and gets people out of their comfort zones and teaches them new skills, how to communicate and collaborate with one another," Melody said.
While this year's production may be different from recent musicals, Melody believes audiences will still enjoy the experience.
"I hope they know it's going to be different than last year, but it's not going to be any less entertaining, it's just going to be entertaining in a different way," Melody said.
Peter hopes audiences will give the lesser-known production a chance.
"It's very underrated. Not a lot of people know what it is," Peter said. "It's a super fun show and people should totally come see it."
Performances of “Meet Me in St. Louis” open at 7 p.m. this Friday at the Madison High School Performing Arts Center. For more information or to get tickets, go to Madison Performing Arts.