The Collegian

Issue date: 3/13/08 Section: Arts

Media Credit: Sean McDermott

Media Credit: Sean McDermott

Media Credit: Sean McDermott

"Don't move until the lights are down... then walk off in character!" warns a voice from the back of the auditorium. The students freeze, then move to the edge of the stage in the darkness, careful to walk and gesture like British pedestrians of the early 20th century.

Hillsdale High School will perform "My Fair Lady" on March 14 and 15. Hillsdale College senior Natalie Mock assisted the students with their vocal performance, and senior Jenny French and junior Vita Reivydas choreographed the production.

Mock, who is student-teaching at the high school, said the cast and crew have been working hard since the Jan. 21 auditions.

"I've seen a lot of my kids step up to leadership," she said. "It's been neat to be a part of the process."

Students said Mock gave valuable advice for the musical.

"She completely revolutionized the way I sing," said 16-year-old Evan Hansen, who plays Freddy in the musical. "Just with one simple breathing exercise, I've learned to ease my throat and not be so tense."

High school freshman Alex Morris agreed.

"She's been great," he said. "I just wish she would stay longer."

The students have been rehearsing three hours a night, four nights a week in preparation for the performance. Over 40 students are involved in the production.

"Musicals are a big undertaking," Mock said. "'My Fair Lady' is a huge show."

Mock listed challenges ranging from snow days to Cockney accents, but both she and students expressed confidence in the performance.

"It's been worth it," Hansen said. "It'll fit the caliber we set [for the musical] last year."
Mock also said the musical helped to integrate the college and community.

"[The two are only] a few blocks away, but it seems like miles," she said. "The easiest way to bridge that gap is through the arts."

"My Fair Lady" is part of the high school's fine arts festival, which takes place this weekend. In addition to the musical, the high school's choir, band and orchestra will perform a concert, in which Mock will conduct two choir songs. Hillsdale College senior Aaron Johnson, junior Rob Ogden and freshman Isaac Johnson will also accompany the choir's performance of a South American mass.

The musical plays Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Davis Middle School. Ticket prices for the musical are $8 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens.

The concert is Sunday at 3 p.m. No tickets will be sold, but donations will be accepted.

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