Armstrong High Theatre Begins with ‘The Pajama Game’

 

by Jonathan Weaver

It’s a bigger cast on a bigger stage for Armstrong Senior High’s first musical this weekend after the consolidation of Ford City and Kittanning schools.

Director J. Craig Klukan admitted the musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie” was his first choice for the inaugural musical, but both Freeport and Leechburg were planning to do the production.

But, Klukan (Kittanning Senior High’s former director and an Armstrong social studies teacher) said ‘The Pajama Game’ was his back-up after helping Armstrong Community Theatre design for the show a few years ago.

“I knew it had a strong male lead and a strong female lead, and I knew we had strong males coming from Ford City and strong females coming from Kittanning, so as far as the voices and abilities we had, it was a perfect fit for the talent,” Klukan said. “You kind of have to pick a show with what you know you have coming back.”

A majority of the 31-student cast in the 1950’s musical fight for a seven and one-half cent raise from a Cedar Rapids, Iowa factory.

Cast members auditioned at the beginning of December.

Senior Jace Armentrout had to buy the DVD when he found out the musical selection, but he said that wasn’t going to stop him from portraying Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory’s new charming superintendent ‘Sid Sorokin.’

“I’ve been in high school musicals since eighth grade, and I just love doing them. No matter what the show was, I was going to do it,” Armentrout said. “I like doing this stuff. I like spending my time here rather than sitting at home doing nothing.”

Armentrout even gave up half of the volleyball season during musical practices.

“I have a lot of speaking lines, a lot compared to past musical years. I’m surprised I memorized all of them,” Armentrout said. “But, going to practice every day, I’m going over them over-and-over again and I just kind-of remembered them over time.

Armentrout, who is also in the school band and chorus, has considered minoring in music while at Westminster College this fall.

In the musical, ‘Sid Sorokin’ falls in love with ‘Babe Williams’ – portrayed in Armstrong’s production by Senior Madison Kunst.

Coincidentally enough, Kunst (who attended the Ford City prom with Armentrout last May after singing together in county chorus) also did not know the musical before the announcement and watched videos of the show since her casting.

“This character’s really different from the characters I’ve played in the past. It’s really difficult for me to play a part that I’ve never experienced that character before,” Kunst said. “It’s challenged me, but it’s been good for me.”

Kunst is pursuing vocal performance with a minor in theatre at Indiana University of Pennsylvania this fall.

Another relationship portrayed in the musical is between Senior Ava Bosco’s ‘Mae’ and Chris Myers’ ‘Prez’ – who are both in favor of the raise.

Bosco said it was also a challenge for her to become the loud-mouthed tomboy.

“I usually play roles that are nice, so this was definitely hard for me. I’m not really a mean person, so I have to channel all my anger,” Bosco said.

Bosco’s stress comes from the challenge to keep her grades up before attending Penn State-Behrend this Fall.

Bosco also has to direct some of her anger toward Myers on stage.

Similarly, Senior AJ Myers (Chris’ brother) uses the stage as a way to get out his aggression with the role of factory lead ‘Mr. Hasler.’

“I’m sure if you would ask anybody, I hope they would tell you that I’m not a very aggressive person. I’m not an angry person – I’m very easy-going,” AJ said. “It hurts to have it all bottled up inside – I found my outlet. It has helped me a lot.”

Kunst said upperclassman from both Ford City and Kittanning tried to become friends before the new school opened.

“It was difficult at the beginning because we didn’t all know each other and we didn’t have that family bond, so that’s something we’ve had to work really hard on,” Kunst said. “But, I think we have so much talent in this group and it’s been so much fun being able to do more things with a bigger cast. It’s been great.”

Myers, who got to know Klukan more after having him as a teacher in class, said the cast is pretty balanced between Ford City and Kittanning.

“We’ve all been committed to (the musical),” Myers said.

Assistant Director Cortney Bavera (Ford City’s former director) said the cast and staff members from both schools have worked well together.

Klukan was confident students will be ready for Friday evening’s opening night.

Tickets are available this afternoon at the school from 3-8PM, Thursday from 5-8PM and are also available on armstrongdrama.org for $10 each.

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