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Performing 30 minutes of the musical "Godspell," the Warsaw Community High School drama team placed first at regional competition Feb. 6 at Merrillville High School.
For their win, the ensemble will perform the entire show at state conference March 12 at 8 p.m. at Muncie Central Middle School. The show slot is considered the prime showcase and is held for the top team.
But for those who can't make it to that performance, the cast will perform the entire musical Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Lakeview Middle School for the cost of a donation. Dana McAfee, WCHS drama teacher, said the performance is a way to celebrate the first place finish and for the community to show their support.
To determine first place at regionals, WCHS competed against nine other teams in the northern region competition, each team performing a half hour segment. The scores from the northern and southern region were then compiled and placement given to the teams based on their scores. With WCHS winning first place, that means the Warsaw team scored higher than approximately 18-19 other teams.
Only two to three teams perform their entire shows at the state conference, and whether a school performs the whole show or just a half hour at state is determined by placement at regional competition.
At the state conference, McAfee also said several of the Warsaw students will compete in individual competitions.
The state conference, which is a weekend-long event, also will include workshops, a banquet and a dance.
The musical "Godspell" is taken from parables from the book of Matthew in the Bible. The musical tells the stories in the book up to the point of Jesus' crucifixion.
"It's done in real creative ways," said McAfee.
Ten WCHS students are involved on the team.
"They make a really tight ensemble," said McAfee. "They're really great."
The cast includes Skyler Scott, Hanna Dillon, Jeffrey Gainey, Danielle Snyder, Cali Bonnett, Liz Lewis, Phillip Swarts, Geoff Haase, Emily Behny and Rachel Simmons.
Former WCHS student Thomas Hall assists the group with the musical direction of the performance. Accompanist is Katie Stull, with Larry Evans providing keyboard.
Two years ago, WCHS placed second at regional competition with the musical "Into the Woods."
