By Sydney Clarke and Megan Angulo
Fresh off her win in Morristown’s Got Talent!, Katherine Merwin is glowing as she practices for the Morristown High School production of Smile during her lunch break. Surrounded by other “contestants,” Merwin’s character is fighting to sing, dance and … well … smile her way to the top.
“It’s very different performing [in a musical],” said Merwin, who won last month’s talent contest singing a classical piece accompanied by pianist Julia Cipriani.
“It has a team aspect. Everyone has to rely on each other and pull their own weight.”
A team is a very good comparison for this production, boasting more than 85 student participants, both on- and off-stage.
Showtimes are 7:30 pm on March 15 and 16, 2013, and 2 pm on March 17. Admission is $11 for the general public and $6 for seniors and students; tickets are available here.
One of the driving forces in Smile is Shannon Kikuchi, who officially is credited as the assistant director but also leads the costume- and art design, as well as lobby decorating.
Normally on stage during shows, Kikuchi opted to work behind the scenes this year to help her fellow actors.
“We did not really have a stage manager to start, which is a really essential part of the show,” Kikuchi said.
She now works to make sure everything is in line and goes smoothly when the curtain rises.
No stranger to the spotlight, senior Kikuchi has appeared in eight productions for MHS and has been acting since she was in second grade. This is her first time, however, solely dealing with the inner workings of a production.
SMILE
Morristown High School
March 15 & 16, 2013, at 7:30 pm
March 17 at 2 pm
Admission: $11 general public, $6 seniors and students
Kikuchi cited Director Joe Wohlgemuth as a major player in both running and selecting the show. When Smile first was mentioned as an option, Kikuchi had never heard of the musical. But once exposed to its unique costumes, catchy songs and strong parts, she was sold. Based on the 1986 Broadway musical, Smile follows 17 beauty pageant contestants as they fight to be crowned Young Miss America.
Along with Merwin, senior Rachael Clinton plays the role of a contestant. Clinton is bridging the gap between backstage and under the lights by acting the part of Valerie while still assisting Kikuchi.
The musical has “many big parts all with lots of singing and dancing,” so more people get to take on a leading role, she said.
Similar to Kikuchi, Clinton has been acting since elementary school. To date, she’s performed in almost 20 shows.
Aspiring performers, Kikuchi emphasized, must be “ready to do anything” to help the show succeed. She calls being part of any performance a “privilege” that requires time and dedication.
