Middle School Debuts 'Captain Louie Jr.' This Week

The scene in the auditorium Monday was quite alive as students ran back stage, others into position on stage. The lead actress takes her spot center stage in front of a very colorful set. The music is cued signaling the first number of the show.

It’s dress rehearsal time, just a few days before the debut of the middle school’s annual production. This year the cast is bringing the story about making new friends life in the musical “Captain Louie Jr.”

Erin Schneeweiss, high school drama teacher, and director and producer of all the middle school and high productions, says once again she is very proud of the students who have worked hard on this production.

About 48 students in grades sixth, seventh and eighth are in the cast. For this particular show it’s all girls and just one boy, Schneeweiss says. Sabrina Chedid plays the lead character of Louie a youngster who moves into a new neighborhood and terribly misses her old one.

The play takes her through a dream where she revisits her old friends but in the end she is returned to her new home and finds she has made new friends. Schneeweiss says doing shows such as this one is really a great learning experience for the kids involved.

Other students in leading roles include Vasi Motsios as Amy; Amanda Ortiz as Roberta; Stephanie Dallara as Angie; Winona Coe as Julia; Edison Hauptman as Ziggy; Samantha Smentkowski as Louie's Mom; Shelli Nielsen as The Cat; and Evi Mosheqaj as Julia's Mom.

A Music International Production, the show really caters to this young audience, Schneeweiss explained. The music and lyrics for the show were written by Steven Schwartz.

Schneeweiss says Barbara Kritzer and her scenery club did a great job making the set for the show. Several of the high school students have volunteered their time to come help out with the show and help the crew.

This is Schneeweiss’ 24^th year directing the musical productions at the school. She says it's an amazing experience watching the kids grow as she works with many of them on productions from the sixth grade level all the way through high school.

The show will be performed Thursday, Dec. 8 and Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the high school auditorium. Tickets cost $6 for students and $8 for adults.