On March 13-15, the performing arts departments will present the musical Carousel in Centennial Hall. The cast is composed of high school students from Haverford, Baldwin, Shipley, Merion Mercy Academy and Agnes Irwin.
Sixth-former Pearse Glavin plays Billy Bigelow, a troubled man who falls in love with Julie Jordan, played by Shipley student Libby Ronon. Billy loses his life and is given one more chance on Earth to fix the mistakes he made.
This musical features the largest cast ever for a Haverford School production. This is primarily due to the influx of Sixth Form cast members.
“As a senior that has never participated in a theater production, I wanted to do something I’ve never done before,” Dehney said. “During the second semester I felt that there would be less stress from schoolwork, so I could better juggle lacrosse and the musical. I also looked at the play as a way to meet new people and expand my social circles, which it definitely has. I’m extremely happy to be a part of the play so far.”
Although there are many new Sixth Form cast members, many of their castmates have been participating in the plays for years, including Sixth Former Pearse Glavin, who has been in the Haverford School productions since Form I.
“Mrs. Fox, our costume designer, fully immersed us in various time periods. Mr. Hightower makes the music crisp and come to life. And of course, Mr. Hengst. He’s an incredible director that helps us along our own journey to understand our characters,” Glavin said. “They’ve been some of the most influential people during my time in high school.”
“Sure, it’s great to hear an audience applaud after you sing something well, but what I will always remember are the memories I make during practice with the people that make me feel at home away from home.”
Pearse Glavin ’20
“People ask why I always come back. Sure, it’s great to hear an audience applaud after you sing something well, but what I will always remember are the memories I make during practice with the people that make me feel at home away from home,” Glavin said.
As in any play, Mr. Hengst will face challenges, but he hopes they will lead to engaging scenes.
“The writers are able to make the songs support the plot. There’s a large scene in the very beginning that takes place in many different settings while all being set to music,” Mr. Hengst said. “We also have a carousel come out on stage, so it will be a technical challenge for us.”
Fourth Former Jake LaRocca said. “The cast has worked very hard in order to make the play as engaging as possible.”
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