Students Take the Stage in a 1950's Musical

NEWTOWN SQUARE–It's not every day you see high school students getting excited about going back in time–to the 1950s to be exact–where women and labor workers alike struggle to find equality. 

But at Marple Newtown High School, students whisked the audience back in a three-day performance this past weekend of the 1950's musical The Pajama Game. Produced by Brandon Rhone, and student producer Joseph Howanski, and directed by Samantha Kristina Clarke, the musical takes the audience to the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory, where workers demand a 7.5 cents raise.

In the midst of the labor turmoil, a romantic relationship buds between "Babe" Williams, head of the Union Labor Grievance Committee, and Sid Sorokin, the handsome new factory superintendent.

Alyssa Myers, a senior, who played "Babe" said she sees a few similarities between the strong-willed character she plays to her real self.

"She sticks her ground and is very confident," described Myers about playing Babe. "I find that I also fight for the truth and stick up for other people."

Myers, who's a natural on stage, played the Wicked Witch of the West in last year's musical Wicked. Much different from last year's role, Myers said this year playing Babe has helped her grow as an actress.

"The acting in general is very different," said Myers. "This was a very serious role and, as an actress, it helped me grow and helped me be a more serious actor."

Myers' co-leading role is played by William Kauffman. Kauffman, a junior, embraces the role of Sid Sorokin, the handsome new superintendent that Myers ends up falling in love with.

Kauffman also admitted the role was refreshing, considering he played the "bad guy" in the past as Dracula in Dracula and Oz in Wicked. 

"It's nice being a good guy and being happy in a role for once," smiled Kauffman.

Kauffman also admitted he could relate to his character's role. 

"We're both very manly," laughed Kauffman. "But we're both helpless romantics, I'd say."

Junior Jake Mattern, who plays Prez, the head of the union and a bit "girl crazy" to say the least, said he enjoyed playing the role because "it's pretty fun to be crazy." His favorite part of the role? "Being the comic relief."

Students had to learn new choreographies and songs but for sophomore Vincent Raspa, another obstacle was placed in front of him: a duet with Maria Maslin in the number "Never Be Jealous," in which they tap dance.

Raspa, who has "never taken dance before" in his life, admitted he was a "little nervous" about the number but successfully nailed the tap dancing after hours of practice.

The auditions for this year's spring musical began in December and practice immediately ensued after winter break in January. Every day, the cast and crew worked after school practicing each scene and song for hours. 

But despite the long hours, Raspa said fun was had and "it's worth it in the end" once the curtains draw up and the audience is laughing along and enjoying the show.

Editor's note: Check out our photo gallery of the first night's performance by clicking on "view gallery" on the photo.