This year, the Poland Players are putting on Popstars, the 90’s Musical. We were able to ask Mrs. Fonagy, the Director of The Poland Players, a series of questions regarding the upcoming production. 

You are able to see the musical at the PSHS auditorium at 7:00 p.m. on March 14, 15, and 16. Tickets will be available at the door; student tickets are $8.00; general admission is $10.00.

What led you to choose this musical?

There are always two main factors in selecting a show. First – knowing which students are already in the Poland Players and what their strengths are.  Second – what appeals to our audience.  Historically, when we have performed other “jukebox” musicals (those that are created using popular music from various composers/vocalists such as “Emma,” “Back to the 80’s,” and “Cyrano de Burgershack”) they are very well received and performers and audience alike have more fun since everyone is already familiar with the songs.  

Describe the main plot for those who have never seen it?

High school students enter a competition to win a record contract with a big name talent agent, along all the drama and romance that ensues in a high school setting.

How long does it take to prepare for the musical?

Rehearsals began January 4 and were held daily from 2:30-to 5 or 5:30

What does preparation look like for you and the Poland Players?

For the students, they have all of their dialogue to memorize and perfect the delivery of their lines, their blocking (where they enter/exit from, stand, sit and move to in each scene-this show has 17 scenes) and the songs and the choreography to learn.  It’s an enormous task that they have a relatively short time to master!   The crew learns the placement of  everything on stage and plans how/where each item rotates on/off throughout the show, plus Saturday set construction.

For the director, it starts with researching the show and then, securing the rights to perform the one chosen. It’s not uncommon to read upwards of 20 properties per show.  Learning every character and scene so that auditions will assure the roles are filled with the right person portraying the character appropriately.  Then, one must design the set, including placement of all major props (walls/furniture/trees etc.) to then visualize/choreograph the blocking of all characters and extras then teach it.  For the musicals, the vocal director and choreographer are secured and arrangements made for their rehearsals.  Costumes are designed, procured, bought, or made.  Set construction takes place every Saturday throughout the months of rehearsals.

What is your favorite part of musical/play planning?

Certainly, my favorite part is watching the performers as they develop into their characters.  Seeing the shiest student in the building become the loud, brash character in a show; hearing someone who insisted they could NOT sing, when they first became a player, become a lead singing a beautiful solo; watching those with no dancing experience at all suddenly finding their feet with 30 or more castmates, performing a huge dance number. Then witnessing the applause of the audience as they are entertained by “my play kids.”

Who are the lead roles?

The 5 principle leads are:

Vinny Sainato is Mark: No one could personify this funny yet sensitive character like Vinny.  Vinny’s dancing has always been strong; vocally, he can be soulful and sincere yet can rock out with the best of them!

Delaney Demetrios as Ella: This girl does it all!  She has great timing and inflection for the softer sides of her character and when it’s required of her to be determined or angry, it is totally believable.  And can she ever sing and dance!  

Olivia Loftus as Shannon: Requiring excellent timing and the ability to flex within a character is one of Olivia’s strengths. After appearing in “67 Cinderella’s,” “Emma,” and “Robin Hood,” it was apparent that Olivia had the talent to play this multifaceted character.

Collin Rodgers plays Patrick: Shannon’s nonsense little brother and Mark’s loyal best friend.  The audience needs to always keep an eye on Patrick!  He was funny as Friar Tuck and even funnier as Patrick.

Celia Fleet as Charlie. – Another all around talent, Celia plays the part of Charlie, the outsider.  Celia’s gorgeous voice and ability to display quiet strength compliments the other characters beautifully.