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PdCHS plans spring drama performances

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The poster for the spring cabaret at Prairie du Chien High School was created by Caitilin Barrett.

By Correne Martin

 

“A Villainous Cabaret” of 16 acts will feature Prairie du Chien High School drama students as villains March 19-20 in the district’s performing arts center. This creation was chosen as a collaborative performance to present in lieu of a spring musical this year because it could be structured better according to COVID health and safety precautions. 

“I think the cabaret allows our students to be showcased in a way that musical theater doesn’t always provide,” shared Director Amy Pham, high school choral teacher. 

Each act brings different students on stage for solos, monologues, plays, scenes and a few large group dance numbers. Many are youth who, Pham said, may otherwise have been part of an ensemble in a musical. So, this style of performance is more inclusive. 

It’s a fun celebration of a good variety of villains, according to Jill Ahrens, assistant director and upper elementary music teacher. Some of the villains who may be recognizable by audience members are Disney characters, musical personas and movie antagonists.

With the cabaret, junior Corbin Reade is happy to be part of something unique for local audiences. “Instead of a play, you get a lot of diversity,” he remarked.

“I felt I wasn’t gonna be able to perform my senior year (with COVID), so I was very happy when I learned we were going to be doing this,” stated Erin Amdahl, senior and fourth year performer.

Reade and Amdahl both play multiple roles in the various acts—even delving into characters who get murdered. They’re among about 13 students in the cast. 

One special highlight this year will also be a cameo by high school principal Paul Weisse as a “very motivational person toward his own demise,” Ahrens said. “He’s a natural performer.”

Ahrens is proud of all the hard work the students have put into “A Villainous Cabaret”—the school’s first performing event of the year. She said, “This is not something they’re required to do. I think these kids will look back on this time with their friends and be really happy they put in the effort.”

The high school is offering two shows for the public, both at 7 p.m., on March 19 and 20. Tickets are for sale at the high school office or online at https://paac.ludus.com/index.php. Masks and social distancing will be encouraged on show nights.

The cast and crew would appreciate seeing the community come out in support of the performing arts programming at Prairie du Chien Schools. Anyone who wishes to stream the performance online can find it available on the last night of “A Villainous Cabaret” via the Prairie du Chien Vocal Music Facebook page.

“This year, we have been relying on our support circles around us. It’s nice to know we have that support in our community,” Pham said, noting that the Bargain Boutique in Prairie du Chien has been generous in donating costume items. 

To give back, the drama department is collecting non-perishable foods and household goods at its performances, March 19-20. They are asking ticket holders to also consider bringing appropriate donations, which will be taken to the Couleecap Food Pantry. 

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