Brandon Twp.- Deborah Wolfe-Sebetic is hoping members of the community will want to come along for the ride that is ‘Carousel.?
The musical is on stage Feb. 28-29, and March 1 at the Brandon High School Performing Arts Center, 1025 S. Ortonville Road.
‘The students have put in a lot of hard work and the community needs to see the positive things they do,? said Sebetic at a recent rehearsal. ‘They spend large amounts of time here, not getting into mischief.?
The cast features 70 students in fourth through 12th grades, posing a special challenge for Sebetic, who had to deal with varying attention spans and keeping young thespians from being bored.
‘Carousel? is set in the 1870s and is the story of Billy Bigelow, who marries Julie Jordan, a mill worker. Shortly after they marry, he loses his job and they learn she is pregnant. Billy meets up with a shady friend and they plan a robbery, but before it happens, he takes his own life. Sebetic describes the musical as a dark piece, but one that features a brighter side, as Billy reappears 15 years later and gets to talk about hope and dreams to his daughter, who has been making bad choices.
‘The music is wonderful and inspiring,? says Sebetic.
Among the 32 songs in ‘Carousel? are two Sebetic favorites: ‘You’ll never walk alone,? and ‘If I loved you.?
Playing the lead is BHS Senior Gabe Salayon, a newcomer.
‘I’ve never done this before,? said Salayon. ‘I guess it was a hidden talent I wasn’t aware of.?
Salayon likes his character because he is ‘stubborn? and ‘thinks he is always right.?
Sophomore Jamie Lutz, a state honors choir member, plays the part of Julie Jordan.
‘I love to act and this is the first speaking part I’ve had,? she said. ‘We have a really big cast and it’s amazing. The songs are unforgettable.?