Evanna Hansen? Alexandra Hamilton? Don Sheridan? On January 7, Desert Mountain’s theatre program put on their annual “Miscast” performance, in which players perform songs and monologues as characters they wouldn’t normally be cast as. Some female performers took on male roles and vice versa for both comedic and heartfelt performances.
Led by seniors Lola Elliot and Layla Gregory, the event was held in the Blackbox and was free for all students and guests. It lasted from 6-7 pm and featured performances of well-known songs like La La Land’s “City of Stars” and Hamilton’s “Wait for It.”
Abigail Whyte (12) and Sophie Galitsky (12) sang “Bosom Buddies,” the opening song to a 1980’s sitcom featuring Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari, and a song from the musical “MAME”. “I was a little nervous performing since I have never sung in front of that many people before,” says Whyte. “But it was a lot of fun being up there with Sophie. Our song was goofy, so it was hard not to laugh, but I think it suited us. I think ‘Miscast’ is a great opportunity for people to step a little outside of their comfort zone and try something new.”
Although it can be nerve-wracking for the performers, the audience for “Miscast” worked with the performers to create a welcoming atmosphere. The students who performed had a lot of fun with their roles, sometimes breaking out into laughter as they sang, and in Emma Heintz’s (10) performance of Hamilton’s “You’ll Be Back,” the audience sang along for the final chorus.
Sterling Abbott (9), who will be playing Pugsley in the theatre department’s upcoming rendition of The Addams Family, heard about “Miscast” from friends and posters around the school and came to check it out. Their favorite act was one player’s “Honey, Honey” performance from Mamma Mia. “It was just so fun and so… light and… free… but also funny!” Abbot recalls.
Like many of the theatre department’s events, “Miscast” was open to students with all levels of performing arts experience. “There’s only one rehearsal before the show,” Whyte continues, “so if you can’t commit to doing a whole musical or play, it’s just good fun to experience a little aspect of that while still in high school.”
Although “Miscast” is over, the DMHS theatre department will be holding other upcoming events and performances for anyone interested in participating. Why not? Might as well. You’re reading the school newspaper, so what else are you doing on Friday nights?
