Moorhead High School Theater Blog

Disney’s “Aida” Is the 2017 Fall Musical

Posted on by Posted in 2017-Aida .

Aida logo - Moorhead High School Theater

With music by Elton John, Disney’s AIDA tells the tale of a forbidden love between an enslaved Nubian princess and an Egyptian soldier forced to face death or part forever. Together, they set a shining example of true devotion that ultimately transcends the vast cultural differences between their warring nations, heralding a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity.

More than 130 students have come together to create this epic musical that blends humor, passion, comedy, and tragedy. Director Rebecca Meyer-­Larson says, “It feels good to do a show that begins with the lyric ‘This is a story of a love that flourished in a time of hate’, and our company of 130+ young artists takes this message to heart.”

AIDA will be performed at the Moorhead High School auditorium November 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on November 12 & 19. Tickets can be reserved online at http://www.MoorheadSchools.org/tix or by calling the MHS Activities Office at 218-­284­-2255 beginning October 30, when general ticket sales begin. ADVANCED ticket sales: Patrons who buy a $10 button from a theater participant will be able to buy up to 10 tickets one week earlier, on October 23, getting the best selection of seating.

Moorhead High Theater strives to make its performances and facilities accessible to all patrons. On November 11, we will have a sign ­language interpreted performance. For tickets for this performance or if you need additional assistance, please contact our Activities Office.

EM “Break”

Posted on by Posted in 2016 Little Shop of Horrors .

It’s the best week of the year – a week of no school, no assignments, and no work – but every fall for a special group of students on a filthy, “jankety” stage, EM break is no time for rest.  EM break is no break at all, in fact. While most Moorhead High School students spent the week relaxing, sleeping in, and watching Netflix, MHS Theatre’s cast of “Little Shop of Horrors” was hard at work.

You’d be amazed at how much sacredness a worn down auditorium in the little town of Moorhead, MN can hold, but I can assure you some of the best and most important moments in my life have happened on that stage, and during this “break”. In between hours of character development, choreography, vocals, sitz probes, costume fittings, haircuts, and blocking, bonds are created unlike any other, and important traditions are upheld.

This year, our week started with the ever-anticipated “Guys’ and Girls’ nights”. This tradition has been passed down over more years than I can remember, and this year did not disappoint. Bonding with some of my favorite ladies and celebrating our “WOMYN” seniors made this night one I’ll remember forever. Celebrating right away at the beginning of the week secured these bonds so early in the process, and made the entirety of the week even more fun.

The amount of fun we had over EM break was proportional to the sense of accomplishment we felt in finishing choreography and blocking and perfecting vocals. We spent up to ten hour days working hard to “grow” our talent, characters, and set. Our “roots” are “planted” deep in this program, and we worked hard for long days to make this show one that we’re proud of, and one that our alumni will be proud of too. We were determined to “leaf” everything we had on that stage until we “git it” right because we know the (quite literal) blood, sweat, and tears that are permanently a part of our theater from every artist who’s been lucky enough to perform in it. I think our alumni will be proud of how we’re “flower”ishing and continuing the legacy that is Moorhead High Theatre. (I’m sorry about the puns but come on, I had to.)

As much as EM “break” is exhausting, hard, and full of work, the amount of fun we have and connections we create over one short week are invigorating. Between pool parties, cast karaoke, homemade soup, throwback choreography, purple- painted- fingertips, Nerf battles, wobbling, vanilla- frosted- cars, sitz probes, alumni visits, honoring past shows, ah so ko, Duanes, and blanket forts, I’d say we might just be the luckiest cast in the world. And while the frosting may never come off my front windshield (thank you boys), while no one may ever be able to top Erhard’s German rendition of “Defying Gravity”, while Sarah and I always seem to be the last to Duanes, and while the boys may never admit to the womYn victory in our Nerf battle, I know that I will cherish these precious moments I get to spend with these people forever. I love my cast.

And “Suddenly”, it was over. The long days of more work and fun than I could ever begin to describe fade away, and “Suddenly” I only have one EM break left. . . Every year it seems like I have “seyMOUR” fun than I think possible, and every year I leave with a new sense of family, a new sense of cellblock partners in “crime”, a new ubuntu “tribe”, a new “Scream” squad. I am so unbelievably thankful for these experiences, and I cannot WAIT to unleash this show to the world in just three short weeks.

“Look out. . . Here comes Audrey II….”

-Izzy Larson

(Forever Cell Block Girl, Terk’s Girl, Crystal)

Behind the Scenes with A Freshman

Posted on by Posted in 2016 Little Shop of Horrors .

I’ve been watching Moorhead High Theatre productions for years and they never cease to amaze me. I never think that they can top the previous show, but they always manage to do it. The moment I walked into Moorhead High School, I knew I had to be a part of this program.

 

The audition process was one of the most stressful times in my life. As a freshman, I had no idea what to expect. It was all worth it when I found out I would be a part of this year’s show. Coming in the first day, I had no idea what I was walking into. I was, and still am, a scared little freshman in a new school, but I have never felt more welcomed. In my opinion, theatre people are the best people in the world. Everyone is so accepting, supportive, and unique. I often find myself looking forward to rehearsal. It’s two hours away from homework, tests, and other stresses of life. This show has been different from the other shows I’ve been in especially during E.M. break. We have cleaned, blocked, and choreographed numerous scenes. All that sounds really boring, and sometimes it is, but we have also played games, had dance parties, and have gotten to know each other. So far, this experience has been one I will never forget. My advice to the future freshman is to be confident and team up as much as you can. There’s so much to soak up in an award-winning program like this. Overall, I think I speak for all freshmen in the show when I say that I am so happy  I have had the opportunity to experience such a great program.

– Laura Jensen

Behind the Scenes with a Sophomore

Posted on by Posted in 2016 Little Shop of Horrors .

When I heard that Moorhead High was doing Little Shop of Horrors, for their fall musical, I was excited about the opportunity to perform in another Moorhead High show. However, I couldn’t even begin to understand the amazing experience that I was about to be apart of.  I had no idea that during the first week alone I would feel a close bond and undeniable connection between the cast. While spending the first couple of weeks in our vigorously exciting vocal rehearsals, I was blown away by the energy and adaptability of the cast. Every note brought about a new level of beauty and creation. When choreography began interweaving into the rehearsals, I saw the vision of the show with new clarity. I was astounded by the cast’s ability to move to the beat in both dancing and acting. I am confident that in the coming weeks of the rehearsal process, we will perfect, perform, and learn the true meaning of family. Considering the talent and love that I have experienced over this process.

The amount of talent blooming from the cast of Little Shop of Horrors, is remarkable; however, singing and dancing are not the only things occurring throughout the rehearsal process. Little Shop of Horrors, is a classic musical that takes place in the nineteen-sixties. In order to fully play our parts, we have been embracing and learning about different elements of the time era. On the first day of rehearsal we got to know each other through playing games which involves elements of the 1960s. Even though we were learning trivia about the time era, it was like having a history lesson in school but it quickly turned into a bonding experience. This is a prime example of how Moorhead High Theater mixes hard work and fun, resulting in a spectacular show. While developing our characters, cast members had been tasked with researching 1960’s girl groups. After researching, we performed a musical number which we modeled after the group we researched. Besides being a good history lesson, these performances were an amazing bonding experience that I will never forget. These are only a few examples of the phenomenal memories that I have made during the rehearsal process so far. I hope to make many more, and I know that I will. That is the power of Moorhead High theater, and I’m positive that Little Shop of Horrors, will make you laugh so hard you’ll wet your PLANTS!

– Alyssa Haagenson

Original “Little Shop” actress and beloved alumni Becky Gulsvig ROCKS Broadway.

Posted on by Posted in 2016 Little Shop of Horrors .

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MOORHEAD — While on the road last year touring with “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” Moorhead native Becky Gulsvig stumbled upon a tiny recording studio during a three-month-long stop in Chicago. She had always wanted to record an album and decided to seize the opportunity.

The resulting disc, “Becky Gulsvig,” was released last month. It contains mainly cover songs, along with some nods to musical theater. It is for sale at Orange Records and on iTunes.

Gulsvig, an established actor on Broadway, said the album was a fun project she did for herself.

“I chose the songs for a reason,” she said. “It’s sort of like a soundtrack of my life.”

Her latest addition to that soundtrack is the recent announcement that Gulsvig is replacing Mamie Parris in Broadway’s production of “School of Rock.”

Gulsvig, who lives in New Jersey with her husband and daughter Hazel, attributes much of her success to the performing art opportunities in the Fargo-Moorhead community. She participated in Trollwood Performing Arts School for three seasons, sang in church, learned to dance from Eddie and Kathy Gasper and acted in Moorhead High School’s theater program.

One of Gulsvig’s close friends and inspirations is Rebecca Meyer-Larson, the current head speech coach and musical theater director at Moorhead High School. Gulsvig was in the first musical Meyer-Larson directed at the high school, “Little Shop of Horrors.”

“Becky walked in as a freshman and grabbed one of the lead roles. I was amazed at all the power in her little body. She continues to amaze me to this day,” Meyer-Larson said.

“(Becky) is loaded with talent, of course. She has a gorgeous voice, is a terrific dancer and brings great emotional depth and honesty to every character she portrays,” Meyer-Larson said. “Add to the equation the Gulsvig work ethic, and you get the total package with Becky.”

Gulsvig graduated high school a year early to pursue an acting career in New York City.

After moving to New York, Gulsvig’s first theater role was Wendy Darling in the national tour of “Peter Pan.” She made her Broadway debut as Lou Ann in “Hairspray” and went on to play Leilani in the original cast of “Legally Blonde The Musical,” understudying the role of Elle Woods. She starred as Elle in the first national tour of “Legally Blonde.”

The opportunities only continued from there.

In 2009, Gulsvig performed as Elle Woods in the 63rd annual Tony awards. She sounds like a true Midwesterner when describing the experience, calling it “super, duper awesome,” even though it was the most nervous she’s ever been.

Gulsvig’s repertoire also includes originating Cinderella in the off-Broadway production of “Disenchanted” and Cynthia Weil in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.”

Despite these achievements, Gulsvig still feels like a hometown girl.

“(Becky) has never gotten caught in the trappings of ego and success,” Meyer-Larson said. “Her humility and sense of fun make her special.”

Gulsvig and Meyer-Larson both offered advice for thespians in the Fargo-Moorhead area that dream of Broadway-level success. Gulsvig’s advice is to never stop learning.

“Take as many classes as you can,” Gulsvig said. “There’s always room to learn and grow.”

Meyer-Larson has similar advice: “Don’t be afraid to pursue a career in the arts. So many people will tell you that dream is ‘unrealistic’ or ‘not stable.’ If you are willing to work hard and are focused on improving yourself as an artist, a career in the arts can be yours,” she said.

“That being said, know that your journey in the arts may take twists and turns … Becky put in her time by waiting tables, tackling lesser known projects, directing educational theater, and performing to small houses. She has played roles large and small, from the leading lady to the committed understudy. Through it all, she never lost sight of her worth or faith in her journey.”

This article is part of a content partnership with The Arts Partnership, a nonprofit organization cultivating the arts in Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo. For more information, visit theartspartnership.net.

Link to the inforum article.