Munster High to present ‘Stage Door’

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The main characters in the Munster High School production of "Stage Door" will be played by (seated, from left) Katie Gajewski, Megan Miller and Rachel Borgo; (standing) Steven Caraher, Kendall Goldberg and Calvin Sanders. | Supplied photo

Updated: February 7, 2012 2:22PM

A determined group of young women aspiring to acting careers is the focus of “Stage Door,” a play that will be presented by the Munster High School Theater Company from Thursday through Saturday.

The 1930s-era play, by Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman, is a full-length, student-directed production that will be the solo-directing debut of MHS senior Lisa Arndt, assisted by Helena Jancosek.

Arndt said choosing a show for a high school production always is difficult.

“I went through about six websites before I finally found this one,’ she said. “It just stuck out to me. I love the ’30s; I grew up on Shirley Temple and the Little Rascals. It was such an interesting time.”

She said the production is challenging, but rewarding. More than 30 parts are involved.

“This play is really abnormal when it comes to cast size,” Arndt said. “What makes it even more abnormal is that about two-thirds of the roles are female.

“I have done much more than direct. I had to design the basic style of the stage, choose costumes, decide on hairstyles, help paint and get furniture. I even had to make a prop camera.

“Everyone in the cast has picked up a paintbrush or brought in costumes, jewelry or props. I don’t think people realize how much goes into making a show.”

Senior Megan Miller will play Jean Maitland, the female roommate who makes it to Hollywood.

“ ‘Stage Door’ has a very interesting plot, but the setting is my favorite part,” Miller said. “It is set in the 1930s, so the lingo and the fashion and everything are very different.”

The plot follows 16 young girls who have come New York to study acting and find jobs.

Junior Calvin Sanders will play David Kingsley.

“The most challenging part is focusing on what was practiced in rehearsal, then putting it all together to make a great performance; it takes skill,” he said. “But I really like the costumes we get to wear, from very simple to flamboyant.”

The central story line finds aspiring actress Terry Randall fighting discouragement in a theater position. Some of the other women in the same position leave the theater to get married or go on to other endeavors. But Terry, played by junior Rachel Borgo, follows her dream.

“The show is quick and clever, and the characters are really relatable,” she said. “Terry’s just a girl trying to land that big role she’s always wanted, while holding on to her ideals at the same time.

“Her character has a lot of depth, and I just hope I can do her justice.”

Sophomore Steven Caraher will play Keith Burgess.

“The hardest part of performing is fitting everything into your schedule,” he said. “It’s difficult to find time for homework and other important things pretty much every day,

“But I love the people involved in theater, and that’s why I like to perform. The close bonds and friendships that you make, especially during rehearsals, are very rewarding.”