By Kayla Markowitz – Editor-in-Chief

The Jonathan Law Drama Club invited audience members to “sit with them” with their preferences of “Mean Girls” on March 8-9.

The cast and stage crew put on one show on Friday, March 8, at 7 p.m. and two more preferences on Saturday, March 9, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The musical included songs, scenes, and characters from the original movie and Broadway show that absolutely dazzled the crowd. 

“The audience’s reactions and cheering and clapping all brought life to each performance, and it made the actors feel more comfortable on stage,” Drama Club Director JP Amaro said. “This show brought the most audience members that I have ever seen in the Jonathan Law auditorium and I couldn’t be more proud of the turnout that we had.”

Although it might’ve seemed effortless, the preparation carried out by all drama club members was no walk in the park. The cast and crew started rehearsing in November and worked countless hours every week to ensure the musical was ready to showcase by opening night. 

“We would rehearse Monday to Thursday from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. and work on the songs, scenes, and dances in the show,” said senior Hailey Russo, who played Regina George.

The audience members were blown away by the creative acting techniques while also getting a laugh out of the comical moments perfectly executed by the actors and actresses. 

“My favorite part was seeing my friends on stage (and managing),” audience member Helen Chizmazia said. “Overall, the show was very funny and entertaining to watch while still being very put-together.”

The cast members all showed their talents in the spotlight. However, a vital part of the musical comes from other roles like set designers, stage crew members, and choreographers who helped set the stage and immerse audience members into the scenes.  

“The sets were designed by our directors, JP and Brianna, then built by Chris Burton, Mike Radcliffe, Ken Sanogueira, Bill Rose which were a huge help to making the play happen,” senior crew member Isabelle Maselli said. “They were painted by everyone at “build” (the weekend before tech week, or the weekend before the show) which was both a bonding experience for all members and super fun and rewarding!”

The Drama Club prides itself on being welcoming towards everyone and creating a place where anyone can join to express themselves. All members can be a part of a group of people who would never write anything about each other in their “burn book.”

“I love the family that it creates – it brings people together who you normally wouldn’t expect to be friends,” said senior Drama Club President Toni Cepalia, who played Kevin. “It’s overall a great community that builds confidence and makes bonds that last throughout high school and beyond.”

Drama Club members aim to inspire each other and help each other grow, both on and off the stage. 

“My favorite part (about being in Drama Club) was not only learning about others but also myself,” said senior Lisette Soto, who made her Drama Club debut when she played Cady. “I fell in love with performing and learned more about my abilities, aligned with discovering a plethora of things I could do.”