Springhouse students to perform ‘Dear Edwina JR’ March 3-6
By Susan Bryant
Springhouse Middle School theater students are exploring the proper forms of etiquette with their musical “Dear Edwina Jr.,” to be performed March 3-6.
This musical tells the story of how 13-year-old Edwina Spoonapple from Paw Paw, Mich., would do anything to be a part of the Kalamazoo Advice-A-Palooza Festival.
The musical features music by Zina Goldrich and a book and lyrics by Marcy Heisler.
Eighth grade student Amelia Seibel commented on her role as Edwina Spoonapple.
“My character, Edwina, wants to make a show with her friends with songs about different life lessons,” Seibel said. “I like how energetic and happy and hopeful Edwina is.
“I am enjoying participating in the show because I like singing (it’s really fun) and I like getting to show my personality on stage and getting to meet new people. “
She said her favorite song is “Sing Your Own Song” because it has a great message about using your own voice and not needing to listen to what other people say.
Seventh grade student Jordan Silver commented on his role as Scott Kunkle.
“Scott is in love with Edwina and is an achiever - he doesn’t give up, even after being rejected multiple times,” Silver said. “Eventually that perseverance works in his favor!”
He said Scott Kunkle is a fun role because the character is energetic and funny.
“I have enjoyed participating in this year’s show because it is wacky and fun, and a bit over the top,” Silver said.
He said his favorite song is “Hola, Lola” because it is an upbeat, fun number and the message is do not be shy, and everyone can make friends if they just say hi.
Eighth grade student Erica Lenner discussed her role as Annie and being the student choreographer.
“My character Annie thinks she is way too important and wants to be a part of everything,” Lenner said. “I like that I get to be snooty, which is the opposite of me in real life.”
She said her favorite song is “Frankenguest” because it is fun to act like an audience member while on stage, and it has cool lighting.
“My favorite part of being in the show was getting to interact with the cast and learn new things from them,” Lenner said. “As the student choreographer, it was fun to get experience teaching my peers and seeing my dances come to life on stage.”
Erica Silver and Jessica Reitnauer are codirecting this musical.
Choreographed by James DuChateau, with assistance from Lenner with musical direction by Silver.
“Dear Edwina, JR is a musical about the friendship and learning to do the right thing,” Reitnauer stated. “It is also lighthearted and has a great message about doing what you love, regardless of who tries to knock you down.”
Reitnauer said she chose this show because it is really an ensemble piece and every student in the cast has an opportunity to sing a solo or play a character at some point in the show.
“As we return to live theater after the pandemic, we wanted to give as many students as possible a change to shine,” she added.
Springhouse Middle School will present “Dear Edwina JR” at 7 p.m. on March 3; and 4 and 2 p.m. March 5 and 6 in the middle school’s auditorium, 1200 Springhouse Road, South Whitehall.
Tickets are $7 each and available for purchase at the door one hour before show time.