A smile and a song at Mepham’s Disney Senior Revue

Skull and Bones Class of 2017 says goodbye with a little magic

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Coming fresh off their run of “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” the seniors of Mepham High School’s Skull and Bones drama club are ready to put a little “faith, trust, and pixie dust” into their very last show. In honor of their final performance together, the seniors have opted to showcase an array of classic and modern Disney songs.

What makes the senior revue special is that students organize it while Edward Grosskreuz, their director, said he sits back and acts more as an advisor of the scene, rather than taking charge of it. Grosskreuz has been putting on senior revues for the past four years, saying that he realized that the main shows could limit the kids’ talents. Most students would either not get roles, or be cast in shorter scenes. By doing this, “we get to make [the show] up, practice it, run rehearsals and make it our own,” said senior Emily Fotanetta. The students look forward to testing the skills that they have learned over the last four years and seeing how far they have come as a group.

Grosskreuz allows students to pick the theme, and was pleased to see what they decided on for their last hurrah because, Grosskreuz said, “Who doesn’t love Disney?”

The Class of 2017 is looking forward to put on a music-filled, family-friendly show as a light-hearted way to end the year. The evening will be magical, according to these Disney loving students, and will allow older members of the audience to reminisce on their childhood with a feeling of nostalgia and reflect on their Disney memories. While the younger generation in attendance “will actually get to experience the Disney before ‘Frozen’” added senior Max Perry.

While the college-bound students shared bittersweet anecdotes about taking their final bow together, each said that they have amazing memories to look back on. They agreed that they are ready to move onto their next chapter, but will miss the excitement of performing together, the thrill of opening night and, of course, their beloved drama director.

Grosskreuz said that a show like this is theatre at its bare minimum, adding that there are no sets, fewer props and just one piece of furniture if needed. There is also less preparation beforehand, without the need to prepare for cues or adjust microphones for multiple people at a time. The focus for this show, he added, is completely on the performer and the performer alone. Students could also audition to be one of the hosts for the evening to take charge of the flow of the scenes and the balance of the 24 songs being sung that night.

“There’s so much to say to everyone but not enough time to say it adequately at the end of the show,” Grosskreuz said. “Each of the students is very unique, but the great thing about this particular group of seniors, despite being so large and despite everyone being so distinct with their talents, abilities and interests, they really are a cohesive unit.”

The revue will take place on May 19 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Mepham High School. Tickets are $10 at the door. Come dressed as your favorite Disney character and receive a $2 discount on admission!

Skull and Bones will also present its annual “Alumni Revue: Encore 2017!,” in which former students will present a Broadway-themed show. It is set to take place on June 5 at 7 p.m. in the Mepham High School auditorium. Tickets will be $10 at the door.