Rehearsals continue for delayed Spring Swing
Production of ‘Spamalot’ moved to summer
These days, to rehearse his spring show, Gov. Mifflin High School senior Adam Osgood logs on to Google Meet from his home.
He sings, he dances. He and the 51 other members of the cast of “Spamalot” run through their lines. When they come to a song, they mute their microphones and sing by themselves to a recorded track to prevent lag time.
“It’s really good for the cast to stay in touch,” said Spring Swing Director Alison Clark. “They laugh and think and dance together. It’s a way to maintain the camaraderie.”
“Everyone is so passionate about this show,” said Osgood, 18, who plays Sir Robin. “If it didn’t happen, that would be a waste of everyone’s passion.”
But it is happening. The school will present its 62nd Spring Swing production this summer in the auditorium at the school in Shillington.
Clark posted on Facebook that Dr. Steve Gerhard, superintendent, has approved rescheduling the show for July 31 and Aug. 1 and 2.
Those were the dates for
the now-canceled summer production, “Shrek.”
The hope is that Gov. Wolf’s stay-at-home order imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic will be lifted so the show can go on.
“Our fingers are very tightly crossed,” Clark said.
Clark said they were two weeks from presenting the show so the blocking and choreography were in place.
When the stay-at-home order was first announced, the cast rehearsed twice a week in Google Meet sessions. Now, they’re meeting online once a week.
“We run through dances and keep the lines fresh in the kids’ minds,” Clark said.
The other adults working on “Spamalot” include Jeff Cusano, technical director and producer; Johnny Rouleau, choreographer; Jacob Leonowitz, orchestra director; Keith Abrahamson, vocal director; and Sabrina
Hettinger, in charge of wardrobe and costumes.
“I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity,” said Robert Correas-Rivera, 18, a senior who plays lead character King Arthur.
“I’ve put in a lot of hard work,” said Correas-Rivera, who has been involved in school productions since he was a ninth-grader.
“I’m also in stage crew, and it’s where I’ve met some of my best friends.”
“Spamalot” is a show that calls for lots of props, quick changes and elaborate sets. With a cast of 52, at least 15 are seniors. Counting stage crew and pit, 75 students are involved.
She said when they learned the show dates were set: “There were tears. A lot of tears.”
“This is a funny show,” she said. “I want them to have the experience of performing this show in front of a live audience.”