The sets and costumes are multiple and elaborate, the storyline runs through a timeframe of two decades and the young actors will give it their all when Bradford Area High School’s music department stages the musical “Mame” Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the auditorium.
Director and music teacher Andy Dutko said the two-act musical, which has approximately 73 high school students and two elementary students, will be staged at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens. Proceeds will benefit future high school music productions. Dutko noted the performance is not appropriate for youngsters under 13 due to mature language and scenes.
Dutko said in addition to the performances of numerous students on stage, a number of skilled stagecraft students work backstage to ensure the changes of sets move smoothly throughout the numerous scene changes.
The hit Broadway musical, first staged in 1966, is set in New York City and has a timeline that spans from the Great Depression to World War II. Eccentric Mame Dennis, played by senior Regan Dolan, has her life interrupted when her young nephew, Patrick, performed by 10-year-old Owen Troisi, arrives to live with her.
“It has been challenging, mostly with balancing schedules with all of the students,” Dutko said of the show. “Ultimately, we have flexibility and that’s why most of the cast has understudies. That has helped us out a lot with students who have been able to do that.”
Dolan took a brief break from the stage to speak about her lead role.
“It hasn’t been as bad as I thought it would be,” Dolan said when asked about the difficulty of the show. “I love doing theater stuff and acting, so it’s a really fun experience to do the lead.”
Dolan said she plans to attend the University of Buffalo after graduation to major in theater performance and communications.
For his part, Troisi said he thought the production was “Awesome, it’s great.”
“It’s a big challenge and a lot of hard work,” the fourth-grader added. Troisi said he has learned his lines “mostly at home” with the help of his mom.
Stagecraft student Sydney Emerson said the show is a lot of work because of the amount of scene changes.
“I’m head of the stage crew,” she explained. “Last year for “Anything Goes” we had a set of risers and that was pretty much the whole set because it takes place on the deck of a boat. Whereas this one takes place over the course of about 18 years, so it’s always changing … we’re running around a lot, but I think it’s going to be good.”
Other lead roles are performed by Matt Picklo as Dwight; Danny Fedak as Older Patrick; and Emmaline Drummond as Vera.
In addition, live music is provided by a band and orchestra directed by Kathy Thumpston.
“Most of the members are from the high school band, as well as community members,” Dutko noted.
