The lights have been drawn to a deep darkness. The stage lit in anticipation to see how the hard work of 117 Wylie High School students will pay off. It was short of 24 hours ago that they learned of the musical they would perform and the roles each would play. They’re exhausted but jolted with adrenaline to pull off “Footloose” for a very full house.
It was in the spring of 2019 that Wylie High School’s theatre director would contact one of his former students about directing a musical from start to finish in 24 hours. Now, five years later, it’s become an experience that students flock to perform in and friends and parents fill the seats to see.
“Shoemake called me to let me know he was going to put on a 24HR musical and asked if I would direct it. His plan was to bring back WHS alumni who were studying theatre at local universities to come back and direct,” said Madelyn Jones (formerly Lowry).
Since then, Jones has directed five 24HR musicals at Wylie with student participation growing from 60 to 117. Initially, participants included theater students, but with open auditions it wasn’t long for others to hear about the unique experience and jump in. Now, Jones has students asking her about 24HR in the fall.
“My favorite part of 24HR is grouping students from all over campus together and watching unlikely friendships form after students are forced to dance in the same number together until 12:00a.m.,” said Jones.
The performance, which is always scheduled in May, is notorious for being a blast. Senior Abel Hicks and freshman Lakely Hill, both theatre students, really enjoy the atmosphere of 24HR compared to other performances throughout the year. “It’s go-with-the-flow and not set in stone,” said Hicks. “It’s funny moments that allow improv.” Hicks has performed in one each year since his freshman year.
While the performance is called 24HR musical, the students truly learn their lines, dances, songs, and how to perform them in about 16 hours, as well as create props and costumes. Its quick turnaround and crazy hours are what makes it fun to Hill, who is performing in 24HR for the first time. “It’s really different because you’re learning in a time crunch,” said Hill. “It’s just not as serious and more relaxed compared to the fall musical.”
Past 24HR musicals include “High School Musical,” “Beauty in the Beast,” “Little Mermaid” and “Camp Rock.” Jones said it takes quite the team to make this performance happen each
year. Assisting this year was choreography by Peyton Bourland, Mr. Shoemake, Mrs. Reed, Mrs. Savari, Mr. Scott, Josh and Mrs. Munson.
By Kristen Johnson