In Achord Brings the Stage, Circle to Life

Two words can describe Jamesville-Dewitt High School’s In Achord showcase presented on Nov. 6 and 7:

Freakin’ Epic.

The Ronald E. Osborne auditorium was packed with Jamesville-DeWitt alumni, students, parents, and residents from all over the community. All the spectators eagerly anticipated the curtain rising to reveal 32 vocalists singing and dancing to original show tunes. The cast performed numbers from the musicals “Bye, Bye Birdie,” and the Disney classic “Lion King.” I sat in the row farthest back, which unexpectedly wasn’t that bad. Everything was audible and visible from supposedly the worst seat in the house.

The show started a little late, opening with the perky tune “We Love You, Conrad/The Telephone Hour,” from “Birdie.” I have to give a shout out to Steffen Wheelock’s performance as Harvey Johnson. Wheelock portrayed the character in such a nerdy way it was hard not to laugh along. The story of “Birdie” continues with songs “Put on a Happy Face,” and “One Boy,” where different In Achord boys take turns playing the male lead. I particularly liked the number “One Last Kiss,” which was sung by junior Ben Harrison. In the song, Harrison serenades MacAfee (played by junior Emily Higgins) and includes several Elvis-like moves. On the final music note, Harrison goes in for the kiss when freshman Jay Rosser suddenly punches him in the face for flirting with his girl. The first act ends with the tune “A Lot of Livin’ To Do,” in which junior Austin Roney tells the locals to celebrate their lives and have a good time. The entire cast was on stage, until the curtain fell the stage, indicating the end of the first act.

I left the theatre during intermission impressed, but I had heard that the following performance of the “Lion King” was even better from last night’s audience members from the previous night. After 15 minutes of moseying around the snack table I reentered the auditorium, hoping for a Broadway-esqe show to emerge. The room began to darken and the crowd was silenced. The black curtain rose revealing the cast dressed in very “unique” outfits. I know the budget is low due to economic hardships, but the wardrobe could have included more traditional African looking.
J-DHS sophomore Michael Chohan agrees. “The costumes were good, but very eccentric,” Chohan observes.

However, J-DHS Spanish teacher Maria Sayhoun felt they were appropriate.
“I thought the costumes were great,” Sra. Sayhoun remarks. “(They were) simple and got the message across.”
Along with the costumes, the performers used facial paint to emphasize their identity of their certain animal. A little funny looking on my friends, but I still felt the paint added on to the creativity of the performance.

After seconds of silence for the costumes to be absorbed and the settling shown, the ensemble began to sing the timeless song “Circle of Life,” with seniors Katie Weber and Rachel Fagut leading the choir as Rafiki and Lebo respectively. Following the opening, the audience was given glimpses of the renowned story line, where the young Simba (Chris Pino) is exiled after the death of his father at the hands of his uncle, Scar. Now entering in adulthood, the grown-up Simba attempts to reclaim his throne and facing his destiny.

This ensemble really impressed me with not only their singing and dancing, but also their commitment. For that attribute, students give Mrs. Quackenbush, the In Achord director and music teacher the credit. “She’s a very dedicated teacher. She’s really amazing at what she does,” says junior Emily Higgins.

With the musical and another showcase in the spring, the kids of In Achord will keep the school entertained year round with their brilliant performances, hard work, and their unwavering dedication.