By John William Gallagher
Hewitt-Trussville Middle has a lot to be proud of as their recent production of School House Rock Live received standing ovations following the performances.
The students practiced for six weeks after school for the two night engagement. The theatre group will be producing another show in the Spring.
The musical was based on the 1970’s hit television show, School House Rock. Based on a story of school teacher Tom, the play was a production for students of all ages
. Tom was nervous about his first day of teaching and decided to watch television. Dori, George, Joe, Dina, Shulie and others show him how to be a great teacher. Songs included the beloved “Just a Bill” and “Conjunction Junction” among many others. After the cast finished helping the teacher, Tom interjects, saying he has more time to learn. The show ends with “Interjections” and Tom is ready for his first day of school.
The main cast included students Caroline Royston, as Dori; Noah Graham, as George; Logan McCormick, as Joe; Kara McCulloch, as Dina and Sarah Stack, as Shulie. These eighth grade students have been participating in the school’s productions since the fifth or sixth grade.
Brandon Peters, a band instructor at HTMS, played the teacher. This was his first performance. Peters is also an assistant band director for the HTHS Marching Band. Kim Hutchens directed the show. She teaches theatre at the Middle School and sponsors the Drama Club. Hutchens has been teaching for 17 years.
Soloists featured in the performances were: Lauren Bautista, Merril Bettis, Hannah Borden, Logan Cobb, Kinsey Costello, Rachel Hardesty, Kelsey Hutchens, Rachel Johnston, Lauren Manscill, Stella Kate McCormick, Taylor McIlwain, Micheala Reno, Reagan Shoop, and Anna Katherine Summers.
A further 55 students formed the chorus on stage, including students Frankie Anselmo, Joe Adamson, Carleigh Allen, Katie Bailey, Mackenzie Barnett, Marion Bennett, Sarah Bennett, Caroline Benson, Trevor Booth, Morganne Bowman, Kelsey Bradford, Kathleen Caraway, Cross Corcoran, Kinsey Costello, Bekah Cauble, Kara Cargile, Lya Chandler, Gracie Cochran, Nikole Copeland, Emily Dodson, Robin Dunn, Autumn Farr, Jessica Gagliano, Julia Gallagher, Cameron Gallups, Maggie Glidewell, Kate Heinzman, Emma Raye Holmes, Grace Jackson, Olivia Jetter, Caroline Jones, Emma Jordan, Chloe Kidd, Elizabeth Kirbow, Vina Love, Lauren Manscill, Gabrielle Messer, Katilin Miller, Katie Musulman, Odi Ozuligbo, Izzy Pate, Sidney Ryan Qualis, Darby Risner, Kaleigh Rowe, Yulisa Royston, Abby Self, Emily Simmons, Morgan Smith, Sadie Smith, Chandler Stephens, Sophie West, Abigail Williamson, and Dianna Wilson.