The lights in the CCHS auditorium dimmed and the work of the high school thespians was brought to life on stage. After competing in their district competition, the club needed funds to help those who qualified for states make the journey. “The Greatest Showcase,” a play on words from the movie “The Greatest Showman,” served as a talent show of sorts featuring songs, dances and skits to raise money for the thespians’ upcoming state competition in Tampa.
PHOTO BY RYAN SULLIVAN
“We pulled this [the showcase] together and it was a lot of fun, but a lot of work,” senior Joania Hernandez said.
Auditions for the show began in mid-December. Open to everyone, the club saw a variety of pieces to fill the show with. It opened with four hosts, interacting with the audience and using their scripted lack of knowledge to engage viewers and connect acts. As the program progressed, the hosts provided humorous commentary, provoking chuckles from the audience.
“It was really good. I liked the comedy and the really good singers,” sophomore Ashley Villalon said.
Filled with performances of CCHS students, the show was packed with a variety of pieces. Acts ranged from state-qualifying skits, to classic pop and theatre songs accompanied by contemporary dances. Many students attended after having viewed the flyers posted around the school and made an effort to support their peers.
“My friends are here [in the show] and I wanted to see them,” Villalon said.
For some, this was more than just a fundraiser. Hernandez performed the finale song, an original piece she put together especially for the showcase. The song, a Hamilton parody, was meant to reflect her shared time with the thespians.
PHOTO BY RYAN SULLIVAN
“When I got to this school I didn’t really know what I wanted to join, and the thespians were so welcoming; they took me in with arms opened,” Hernandez said. “ It was the best decision I could have made they gave me a great high school experience and I’m really happy I took the opportunity and joined this club.”
As the program ended, cast members gathered around for hugs and congratulatory words were exchanged. For seniors, this was their last showcase.
“Thespians is my life right now and it will forever be the family that I’ve known throughout high school,” Hernandez added.
Photos by Ryan Sullivan
