Crossroads students bring ‘South Pacific’ to stage.
By: Matthew Rick
Stagehands positioned props as students scurried to their places while band members readied their instruments.
They were getting ready for the first dress rehearsal of the musical "South Pacific," which students from Crossroads South will be performing today (Thursday) and Saturday.
More than 90 actors and musicians have been rehearsing their parts for the musical since Jan. 5. Under the direction of Phyllis Kristjanson, a paraprofessional at the school, students have spent at least two days a week practicing their lines and songs since returning from winter break.
"I love being in the show," said Howard Gordon II, who performs as Emile de Becque, the French plantation owner on the island.
Crossroads South music teacher Lisa Lepore has worked with middle school students and teachers to ensure the live music performed at each show will sync up perfectly with the performers. Parent volunteers created the colorful palm trees and vivid backgrounds used in the performances.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s "South Pacific" is about Americans in the Navy and Marine Corps who are stationed on a remote island in the South Pacific during World War II.
"It is a really interesting story," said Jillian Orban, who plays Ensign Nellie Forbush, one of the lead characters in the musical.
Although the musical deals with subjects like racial prejudice and interracial romantic relationships, the upbeat songs and vibrant sets have propelled it to become one of the most celebrated musicals of all time.
Other leading actors in the musical include Dan Gorzynski and Demetri Mavronacolas who share the role of Lt. Joseph Cable, Rebecca Shapiro who plays Bloody Mary, Chris Kenney as Luther Billis and Joseph Muha as Stewpot.
The shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for students and children and $8 for adults.

