High School Musicals

Each spring, the various local high school drama programs mount their major productions of the year. Dos Pueblos, San Marcos, and Santa Barbara High Schools are presenting musicals, bringing a little bit of Broadway to the Central Coast. Private schools like Anacapa and Laguna Blanca are also mounting their end-of-the-year presentations, showcasing the talent and hard work of the young theater artists of Santa Barbara.

Directed by Emily Libera, the Dos Pueblos High School theater program introduces young audiences to a Broadway hit of yesteryear and today: The Music Man. Harold Hill (played by Senior Jack Forgea) is a traveling shyster who moves town to town, promising to lead a children’s band; he sells uniforms and instruments to the locals, then skips town. When he arrives in River City, the only trained musician is Marian the librarian — who threatens to expose him. “Professor Hill is a lovable con man,” says Forgea. “He constantly fools everyone he meets and even openly admits to his wrongdoings, yet the audience is still enamored with him. He’s suave, charismatic, sophisticated, but sly — a great example of an antihero.” The show is a staple of the musical theatrical canon, with memorable music and lyrics. “The Music Man is American musical theater at its best,” says Forgea. “Additionally, it is a great show for all ages.” See The Music Man at DPHS May 4-13.

Embracing a more recent hit, San Marcos High School, under the direction of Shannon Saleh, presents The Addams Family, the musical about the much-loved “spooky” family of Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsly, and Uncle Fester. Junior Milo Bustany, who plays Fester, says the show is about the importance of family and the joy of discovering new ways of existing. “You have to be willing to embrace the unknown. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, ‘move toward the darkness’ as the characters call it, and really welcome change. Face your fears, move through them, and grow,” he says. Choreographed by Christina McCarthy, The Addams Family features song, dance, comedy, and a message of acceptance. “It’s fun!” says Bustany. “High school theater definitely needs to have an element of fun to it, both for the performers and the audience.” This show runs at SMHS May 4-13.