Penn Hills High School musical takes 'Leap of Faith'
Students at Penn Hills High School plan to tackle an especially challenging musical this year that other local high schools haven't tried.
The cast will perform the school's spring musical, “Leap of Faith,” at 7:30 p.m. April 17, 18, 24 and 25 and at 2 p.m. April 26 at Penn Hills High School.
“No one has ever really done this on a high school level around here,” co-director and high school chorus teacher Kala Lorey said. “So everything we're doing is really unique.”
Lorey said that because no other school in the area has performed the musical, finding examples and production ideas was a challenge.
The musical is based on the 1992 movie of the same name starring Steve Martin. It tells the story of a con man named Jonas who poses as a miracle worker until he gets stranded in a small town in Kansas.
“It was challenging because we didn't have a visual,” said Morgan Lightner, a senior who will play Sam in the production.
Lightner said the uniqueness of the school's version of the show really makes the cast feel as if it is their own.
Lorey said the music and strong female roles are what drew the co-directors to the musical.
“We love the music. It's absolutely gorgeous,” she said. “It's got a great gospel choir and four strong female roles.”
Senior Grace Faye, 18, who will play one of those strong roles as Ida Mae, said the gospel music in the show really appealed to her.
“Church music has always been my forte,” Faye, 18, said.
Senior Quintin Reynolds, 17, who will share the role of Jonas, described the show as”grittier and more dramatic” than typical musicals.
Lorey said about 60 students are involved in this year's production on stage and working behind the scenes.
Also involved in this year's production are six alumni volunteers working on choreography, lighting, directing and set work.
“I wanted to get back in the arts without being on stage,” said Penn Hills graduate Ashley Harmon, 25, of Pittsbugh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood.
“It's nice to give back and still do something I love.”
Students will preview the show at 5:30 p.m. Sunday.
Community choirs will join cast members on stage for a community cabaret. Tickets are $5.
Tickets to the musical are $10 and can be purchased at the high school box office at 309 Collins Drive; by contacting the Penn Hills administration office at 412-793-7000, ext. 1263; or by emailing Elisa O'Malley at eomall@phsd.k12.pa.us.
Kelsey Shea is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-320-7845 or kshea@tribweb.com.
