Musical Theater and Drama

Each school year students perform a spring play or musical directed by a community theater professional. Students have whisked audiences away to the Land of Oz, Narnia and Cherry Tree Lane. In addition to roles on stage, there are also opportunities for behind-the-scenes technical expertise and stage management. 

Highlights

James and the Giant Peach

The 22-23 cast of James and the Giant Peach received many recognitions from the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards (IHSMTA).

•  Outstanding Overall Performance
• Outstanding Ensemble
• Outstanding Performances in a Principal Role
  – Ian Hagenberg ('23) as Ladahlord
  –Isaiah Mudlaff ('24) as James
  – Valerie Busch ('24) as Earthworm
  – Chayse MacLennan ('23) as Spider
  – Carter Morrow ('23) as Grasshopper
  – Samantha Wright ('23) as Spiker
• Triple Threat nominees
  – Ian Hagenberg ('23)
  – Isaiah Mudlaff ('24)

Mary Poppins

The 20-21 cast of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins performed at the IHSMTA Showcase. Iowa PBS broadcast the showcase, featuring highlights from musical productions submitted for adjudication by high schools across the state.

•  Outstanding Musical
• Outstanding Ensemble
• Outstanding Performances in a Principal Role
  – Chloe Crandell (‘21) as Mary Poppins
  – Mio Legaspi (‘21) as George Banks
  – Jayden Swaim (‘21) as Bert
• Outstanding Stage Management
  – Lisi Main (‘22) and Max Olsen (‘21)
• Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role
  – Maria Casady (‘22) as Jane Banks
  – Emily Dykema (‘21) as Miss Andrew
  – Carter Morrow (‘23) as Michael Banks
  – Sophie Murphy (‘[21) as Winifred Banks

Recent Performances 

22-23 James and the Giant Peach
21-22 Peter and the Starcatcher 
20-21 Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins
20-21 Senior Showcase: Radium Girls
19-20 The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe 
18-19 The Wizard of Oz
17-18 Peter Pan

Director

Manda Miller
Grace Oliver ('21)