Neuqua Valley High School will be bringing toe-tapping music and high-energy dance numbers to the stage when a cast of more than 70 presents “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”
The production starts Thursday, April 28, and runs through Saturday, April 30, at the Naperville-based high school, 2360 95th St.
“The show has an undeniable energy that will make audience members want to dance and sing from their seats,” Neuqua Valley teacher and director Johnathan Pontarelli said. “Our show will certainly make you laugh as well as reflect upon the notion of love.”
Based on the 1967 film that later became a Broadway musical sensation, “Thoroughly Modern Millie” tells the story of small town girl Millie, played by the freshman Kate Waldron, who heads to New York City to find success and love in the 1920s.
“I have always had a fascination with the 1920s,” Pontarelli said. “From the jazz music and literature to the style in fashion and art, the 1920s gave promise and hope for America. Yes, the stock market crashed in 1929, but the decade initially allowed people to dream big and aspire for greatness.”
The cast, crew and orchestra of more than 110 students has been dreaming big and aspiring for greatness since early February, when rehearsals began. Pontarelli said the musical includes several complicated dance numbers, which the actors have embraced and successfully accomplished.
“What has impressed me with this cast is their determination to put on the best show possible,” he said. “The actors are always willing to put in the extra time to succeed. It is this attitude and work ethic that I know will make our production a fantastic show.”
Senior Monika Martinek, in the role of quirky and evil Mrs. Meers, shared the sentiment.
“This cast and crew, as well as the amazing directors, are incredibly dedicated, passionate and supportive, and I have loved being able to create such a fantastic show with all of them,” Martinek said. “‘Millie’ is such an energetic and comedic show, and I am so glad to be able to finish off my high school experience with my best friends alongside me on Neuqua’s stage.”
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Senior Akshay Ravi, who plays Millie’s boss and potential love interest, Trevor, agreed.
“The humor in the show is absolutely remarkable,” Ravi said. “(But while) getting to know this incredibly funny script has been awesome, I couldn’t enjoy this whole experience without making awesome friends and mentors in my peers and my directors. Getting to work with them and grow close to such a good group of people has been vastly pleasurable.”
“Thoroughly Modern Millie” will be staged at 7 p.m. on April 28, 29 and 30. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors, $11 for adults. For more information, go to nvhstheatre.com.
Jane Donahue is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.