'Me and My Girl' Ready for Hopatcong

teacher Barbara Fersch helped the drama club organize a performance of a tap dance musical 18 years ago.

"Me and My Girl" will return to the auditorium Thursday at 7 p.m. And teacher Joe Ross said he couldn't be more excited.

"It's a tap dance show. That's a very rare thing," Ross said. "We're bringing tap dance to Hopatcong, and that's a big part of the show. It's a snow that's not that familiar to audiences, but I think they're going to find it funny."

"Me and My Girl," written by Douglas Furber and L. Arthur Rose with music by Noel Gay, takes place in late-1930's Europe. Bill Snibson (Steven Munoz) is a working-class man determined to be the heir to the prestigious Earl of Hareford title.

The problem: He and his wife, Sally Smith (Grace Marchena), are Cockneys, and have difficulty adjusting to the rich life.

Ross said audience members should be excited for the dancing. But the music could steal the show.

Band Director Matt Testa will lead an orchestra comprised of professionals and students.

"Live performance is always an amazing thing," said Testa, who said the professionals will be compensated by the Hopatcong High School Band Parents Association, which funded the marching band. "You never know what can happen. That adds an element that most people don't get when they're watching television or observing other media."

But student and ensemble actress Brooke O'Donnell said the humor will stand out.

"When you come to see it, you need to listen for the puns," O'Donnell said. "They're hidden in everything. And the songs are so cute."

Actor Mike Sickles agreed.

"It's very family-oriented," he said. "It's very light, comical. It's a fun show to watch."

"It should be a rousing show," Ross said.

Last year, the drama club performed

Cast:

Bill Snibson: Steven Munoz

Sally Smith: Grace Marchena

The Duchess: Hayley Solberg

Sir John Tremayne: Jason Carrubia

Gerald: Michael Sickles

Jacquie: Sarah Indano