As the spring season approaches, so does the annual spring performance of the campus drama class. However, this year, the cast is tackling something that has never been done in the history of the school: a musical. Bye Bye Birdie, set in the 50s, follows the story of a music producer and his self-discovered rockstar.
The preparations launched into full force when the students returned from Christmas break. Not only is the cast performing a musical, but they endured long days of choreography, singing and live-orchestra rehearsals.
Bye Bye Birdie will be performed for the general audience three different times: at 7 p.m., March 7 and 8, and again at 4 p.m., March 9. The cast will also perform short scenes from the play for their peers during chapel, March 4.
This is the biggest challenge the drama class has ever undertaken. With such a difficult play, comes challenging roles, and senior Robbie Hill takes on the lead for this year?s play. This being his last year at Fresno Christian, he hopes to be able to impress the crowd, and make it the best play in the school?s history.
“Well this year is our first ever full length musical at Fresno Christian, and I?m happy to say that rehearsals are going well and everything is coming together quite nicely,” Hill said. “Bye Bye Birdie is a really fun musical with a great score and a hilarious plot. Getting to be the lead role in such an amazing play puts a smile on my face, and I can?t wait to put on a good show for the audience.”
Hill will play the role of Albert Peterson, which is the leading male role. He is confident in his ability and is glad to be challenged by the complexity of a musical.
“Not only is this my first lead role at the school, I get to be the lead in the first ever Fresno Christian musical,” Hill said. “I am extremely excited, but also very honored that I get the opportunity to be the lead actor. I?ll do my best, and hopefully won?t let my team down.”
Though Hill has been involved in drama since freshman year, his acting career dates back into elementary school. Early on, he discovered his passion for acting and has only grown in his abilities.
“My first acting role was in my third grade production of The Wizard of Oz where I played the King of The Winged Monkeys,” Hill said. “My first role where I actually performed on a stage was in the play Christmas Unwrapped, where I played a bratty little child named Bobby. As soon as I made the crowd laugh, I fell in love with acting, and I haven?t lost that love at all over the years.”
One of the reason?s Hill has achieved success is because of the support of his parents and family.
“My parents have been beyond supportive,” Hill said. “Driving me to rehearsals when I was young, running lines with me when I need to practice and building up my confidence when I was discouraged. They are my biggest fans, and I can?t thank them enough for all the love and support they?ve given me.”
Senior and fellow drama student, Tynin Fries, has performed with Hill in both elementary school and high school. She enjoys watching his various characters and witnessing his passion develop.
“I remember being in drama with Robbie in fifth and sixth grade, and now it?s senior year,” Fries said. “Robbie has always had so much passion and it is evident when he is on stage. Now that he has decided to pursue acting beyond high school, he is so dedicated to challenging himself. I can?t wait to see where he ends up in the future.”
Hill has chosen to continue acting throughout his college courses and career path. He dreams to perform in the production of Les Miserables, being his all-time favorite play.
“I want to major in performing arts,” Hill said. “Whether I?m acting in movies, television or getting to be on stage; as long as I?m acting, I?m happy. My favorite theatrical production is Les Miserables. It has always been my dream to be involved in that play, and hopefully I can fulfill that dream in the future.”
Follow The Feather via Twitter: @thefeather.
For more features, read the Jan. 14 article, Junior finds niche in alternate media outlet.
