'Thoroughly Modern Millie' to hit the boards

The story of a small-town girl who comes to New York City to "make it big" in 1922, "Thoroughly Modern Millie," will be the first musical staged in the new Richard D. Kinder Performance Hall today through Saturday at Central High School in Cape Girardeau.

Cast members say months of rehearsals have been time consuming, but they're confident they are ready to give their best possible performances.

"There's a love story, and it's a comedy," director Jordan Cox said.

As Millie Dillmount, Central High School senior Emily Hagan plays the role made famous by Julie Andrews in the 1967 movie that was later adapted for Broadway; Michaela Loving, a sophomore, portrays Miss Dorothy Brown, Millie's best friend; and Zach Reece, a junior, is Jimmy Smith, Millie's love interest.

"I like my character," Hagan said. "She's kind of how I am in real life," but more confident.

Zach Reece, left, and Emily Hagan play Jimmy Smith and Millie Dillmount respectively during a rehearsal of “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” (Adam Vogler)

Loving said Miss Dorothy Brown isn't like her.

"It's nobody I would be in real life. I think that's what makes it so fun. I can go out of my comfort zone and be somebody I'm not," she said.

Loving and Hagan have been in plays before, but this is Reece's first. "It's a musical and I can sing. I'm pretty active in choir," said Reece, an all-state bass. "After that, it's people suggesting I try out."

Cox said "Thoroughly Modern Millie" was selected because it was a chance to involve many different students in the production, from drama and choir members to dance team members.

Work began in September, Cox said. A lot of time has been spent on the music and choreography.

Emily Hagan plays Millie Dillmount during a rehearsal. (Adam Vogler)

"I think the choreography was pretty new to most of the [students], and it's a pretty choreography-heavy show. There's lots of dancing going on, so they're been spending a lot of time on that," Cox said.

The production has taken up a good deal of the students' time, but it's been worth it.

"As with anything, the more you do it, the more it becomes part of your life," Reece said of adjusting to the amount of time devoted to the play.

With curtain-time approaching, the actors are feeling some butterflies.

"I wouldn't call it so much nervous, but just anticipating and waiting for the moment you get to do it," Reece said.

Emily Hagan, middle in yellow, plays Millie Dillmount during a rehearsal of “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” (Adam Vogler)

"I would say nervous," Loving said, "but we've worked so hard and put in so many hours that we just need to give 100 percent and it will be our best."

One of the larger productions the school will put on this year, "Thoroughly Modern Millie" has Ed Cole as assistant director; new orchestra director Michael Hanf is leading the pit, made up of orchestra and band members; and Amelia Essman, a library assistant, is the choreographer.

Craig Thomas is the set designer. His wife, Beth, is an art teacher at Central and has gotten some of her students involved.

Library assistant Patty Siemers is handling marketing, and Cox's wife, Kasey, an adjunct professor at Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis, is doing the costuming.

Cox and Cole, who will direct the spring production that has yet to be announced, are new to the faculty this year.

"Historically, Central has only had a musical every other year, and this is the first full year we've had the performance hall, so it's a really big deal," Cox said, noting the campus typically puts on a musical in the spring.

Additionally, the performance hall has up-to-date technical capabilities, Cox said.

"We want to fill the auditorium. This is a big part of the school's history, having the first musical in the new hall and so many new instructors. ... The faculty and community have seen good productions here, and there are a lot of expectations and anticipation to see what's going to happen," Cox said. "It's a lot to live up to. I think, too, there's a whole other technical side now that we have the opportunity to do more with the sets. It adds another stress to the palate, but a good stress."

Shows will be at 7 p.m. each night at the performing arts hall on Central's campus, 1000 S. Silver Springs Road. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For ticket information, call 334-0644 or email chstickets@capetigers.com.

rcampbell@semissourian.com

388-3639

Pertinent address:

1000 S. Silver Springs Road, Cape Girardeau, Mo.