Thomas County Masquers is ready to show off its members’ acting chops and singing talent with a spring musical.
The masquers, in cooperation with TCCHS Chorus program, will perform “She Loves Me,” which is based on an old Hungarian play known as “Parfumerie.” The main plot centers on two rival co-workers played by Matthew Edmonds and Aspen Sloan who, unbeknownst to them, are messaging each other through pen pal and falling in love.
“The show is very funny, and the music is great,” performer Aubrey Miller says. “I think what makes this show unique is the setting and plot. Not many shows follow the lives of store clerks and owners.”
TC Masquers is the new name for the TCCHS Drama department.
“We always try to do a spring production,” instructor Gabrielle McMullen said. “The spring musical is always a fun show to work on that is a little less stressful, as our fall production is a competition piece. After last year’s production Ms. Nicole Davis (chorus instructor) and I sat down and made a short list of musicals we would want to consider based on the vocal and acting ability of our students. We both thought that ‘She Loves Me’ was such a fun/cute story....”
The duo also knew they had the student talent to pull off such a show.
“It has been extremely fun to work on with the cast,” McMullen said.
Other lead roles are played by Jordan L. Jones, Stephen Sykes, Emily Brooks, Zion Jackson and Cameron Parker.
Freshman Jordan L. Jones describes his character, Steven Kodaly, as “sly, cunning and very flirtatious.”
“He’s a womanizer,” Jones says. “I decided to take this role because many people say I have a flirtatious personality.”
His favorite musical number in the show is “Ilona.”
“It’s a song I sing that is smooth, sly and just has a good rhythm,” Jones said. “Plus, I get to dance, and I can salsa!”
Clay Goff, Laura Hiers (an eighth-grader from Thomas County Middle School who has taken a year of drama classes with McMullen), and Miller are ensemble members. There’s also a backstage crew who helps bring the show to life.
“I wanted to join the musical because I love to sing and I thought it would be a good opportunity to get out of my shell,” Miller said. “There is a lot that goes into planning the show. We have been building sets and constantly rehearsing lines and music.”
The curtain goes up on “She Loves Me” March 22-24. All shows are at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at the Thomas County Board of Education auditorium, located at 200 N. Pinetree Blvd.
Tickets are $6 for all Thomas County Schools’ students (who must present a current student ID for the discount) and system employees and $12 for all other general admission. System administrators receive free admission.
“It’s going to be great,” Jones enthuses. “There’s drama, comedy, heartfelt moments and music. …Anyone who doesn’t come is really going to miss out.”