Seniors Jack Burden and Mikala Wolter went through high school never participating in musicals. This year they join the cast of Les Miserables, their first acting and singing roles. Both students have their reasons for joining the musical cast their senior year, whether it be just for fun or to get back into something that they love.
“Pit convinced me to try it, it was a lot of fun,” Wolter said.
Although practice times are a lot longer than anticipated, they both enjoy the experience.
“Practicing for so long can’t be helped,” Burden said.
When learning the lines, Burden has trouble staying in character. Wolter, on the other hand, has never sung on stage and is having more difficulty adjusting to learning the music.
“This is definitely different than pit. The hardest part is learning how to start on the right pitch, I’m not the best singer,” Wolter said.
Burden had experience with singing prior to musical, he gave up that hobby right before coming into high school.
“I stopped singing after middle school and I wanted to get back into it. Musical is a good way to do that. I wanted to try it out for all of high school, but I didn’t have the time. And acting has never been my thing,” Burden said.
Injuries from her softball season prevented Wolter from trying out her freshman and sophomore year. Last year, her time was divided between school and pit so she could not try out.
For Burden the hardest part is trying to stay in character the whole time, as for Wolter learning the lyrics and practicing pitch is a hard task.
“I sit at my piano and practice. I also listen to the Les Miserables soundtrack and sing along,” Wolter said.
Her role involves acting like an extreme flirt since her part is the Prostitute, Wolter has to be comfortable with putting herself out there in front of all her peers.
“I’m good at flirting, that comes naturally,” Wolter said.
Burden and Wolter both agree that their cast-mates are supportive and fun to be around, they have faith that the show will be a great one.
“It’s coming together really well, I’m a little nervous about performing,” Burden said.
Wolter knows that on opening night, she will have nerves about performing but as for right know, she is not too concerned about the result.