Although it may seem that musicals started to get big in the Harrisonburg area when we moved to the new high school, that is not the case.  One of the old programs from the musical Godspell, done in 2005, gives us a list of shows since 1965.  It’s very interesting, when looking back on the programs that we have since 2000’s Oklahoma, to see how not only the shows have varied, but the look of the programs.The programs for each musical that the drama department puts on each year are slaved over by countless drama mamas and dads.  These programs include various advertisements – ranging from local businesses to other shows in the area to notes of encouragement from family and friends – as well as the cast list, rundown of scenes/songs, cast, crew, and pit bios, and thank yous to the countless people who made the show possible.  Parents volunteer to get advertisements for the program based on those who have donated in previous years and any connections the volunteer may have.

When it comes to making these programs you wouldn’t believe the amount of time and effort is put into every tiny detail.  For example, take the musical personnel bios: Ann Siciliano, parent of a child in the musical (me) typed them up this year.  You might think it’s easy to type up a few biographies of kids who send in what they want you to write… well think again.  Almost everyone involved in the musical, besides volunteer family members, has their biography typed up.  Think it’s just the actors?  That will take a while… especially when you take into account there are 68 kids on that stage, not to mention the stage crew, the professional technical crew, the pit orchestra, and the directors.  And after you’ve typed up all of those, then tell me how easy it was!
Now, the biographies only take up part of the program – almost half considering all of the people involved.  The head hauncho when it comes to making programs is Maureen Goldberger, she has been doing it for the past several years, and continues even though her son graduated from HHS 2 years ago.
“She’s a pro,” Sicilano said.
So when you’re sitting in that comfy blue auditorium seat, reading your program as you wait for the show to start, don’t forget all the effort that goes into every aspect of this production to make it a truly excellent and top notch performance.
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