The anticipation has been unbearable for teachers and students alike for the long-awaited reveal of one of KO’s most coveted performances: the winter musical. Following the school performance of the Choreographer Showcase on Nov. 19, students sat forward in their seats in anticipation as Director of Theater Kyle Reynolds walked to the stage for his announcement. And there it went: “The 2022 Winter Musical is… ‘9 to 5!’”
Applause erupted from the audience – how could it not? The Dolly Parton movie turned musical is nothing short of iconic. The story is simple. Three drastically different women from different lifestyles come together in their 9 to 5 office job to overthrow their “sexist, lying, hypocritical, egotistical, bigoted boss,” as is stated throughout the musical many times. It’s your classic underdog, female-empowerment scenario, all combined into a comedically sweet musical written by the backwoods Barbie herself.
Everyone knows the musical announcement is a long-awaited reveal, dragging out from the beginning of the school year to its November announcement; nonetheless, the wait was worth it.
Junior Alice McClure spoke to her experience and the build-up to the announcement. A classic tradition is, of course, the desperate search of cast members trying to figure out what the musical is. “A few of my friends and I tried to figure out what the musical was before it was announced, but we didn’t even come close, so we were all completely surprised when we found out that it was ‘9 to 5.’”
It’s no surprise the cast didn’t come close. Mr. Reynolds, along with Choral Director Steve Mitchell and Director of Technical Theater Michael Bane kept the secret up until the announcement. “I was thrilled when I found out that the musical is ‘9 to 5,’” Alice said. “I know that the performance this year will be one you won’t want to miss.”
So, how does one prepare for a ruthless week of auditions, callbacks, and hopefully a casted role? It’s only tradition for the cast members to go home, listen to the soundtrack an abnormal amount, and find a sketchy bootleg. But, they love it.
“I remember being so excited to research the show as soon as I could,” Alice said. “I think I can speak for all the theater kids when I say that I spent almost the entire week of Thanksgiving break obsessing over the show and watching the Broadway bootleg over and over again.”
This year’s winter musical is bound to be a masterpiece. Under the guidance of Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Mitchell, and Mr. Bane, the show will be nothing short of magnificent. The combination of the best directors in Connecticut along with the talent of the theater department and the anticipation of having a live show post COVID-19 is bound to produce an award-winning show, much like the past two productions under the guidance of Mr. Reynolds.
