Each Monday between now and the opening of Sister Act! we will highlight one of the seniors who will be taking the stage on March 26th through the 29th (7pm, 7pm, 7pm, and 2pm). This week we will be highlighting Sadie Iffert, daughter of Doug and Kelly Iffert will take the stage as Sister Mary Theresa in the upcoming p
What musicals have you been in at NCHS and what characters/roles did you play?
I have performed in “Oklahoma!” as Aggie, “Six” as Catherine Parr, and “Newsies” as Snyder. In my freshman year, I helped with spotlights for “Mamma Mia!”.
What was your favorite musical and why?
My favorite musical was Six, I loved having the opportunity to star as a lead. The whole vibe in Six was upbeat, spunky, and had just the right amount of sass to make you want to get up and sing along to all of your favorite songs.
What scene in Sister Act is your favorite and why? (This does not have to be a scene you are in)
My favorite scene in Sister Act is when Deloris, Sister Mary Roberts, and Sister Mary Patrick visit the local dive bar. Roberts starts to freak out because she has never left the convent, while Patrick gets distracted by the music and the lights, and all Deloris really wanted was a cheese steak. The entire scene is chaotic in the best way and I love it.
What are three things being in the musical have taught you? and how have you learned these?
I have learned so much from performing in musicals for the past three years. The most important things I have been taught however are: be bold, you are your own worst critic, and you are only as good as you allow yourself to be.
Be bold, it’s something everyone is told at least once in their life. I have always struggled with being bold and showing confidence in my abilities. In past musicals, I have had to learn to confidently dance, sing, and, honestly, just be myself. Especially in Six, I couldn’t shy away from the spotlight and follow others’ lead.
You are your own worst critic. I have always known this to be a fact for me. I truly am my own worst critic. There have been times during practice when I have beaten myself up for not performing perfectly, and I have had to learn to go easier on myself, because no one is perfect.
You are only as good as you allow yourself to be. If you go into musical thinking you are only average, you will most likely show it on stage. I have had to learn that even if I don’t feel like I am any more than mediocre, I just have to push that mindset away and perform as if no one could play my part better than me.
What are two pieces of advice you would give young people who want to start performing in musicals at NCHS?
The two pieces of advice I would give to anyone who is considering joining musical is to not wait, and also simply have fun!
My freshman year I had considered joining musical, however I was terrified at the thought of auditioning, and actually singing, acting, and dancing in front of an audience. So I decided to work a spotlight so I could feel as if I was, in a way, in “Mamma Mia!”. However, after attending a few practices I quickly realized that musical looked like a blast and I wanted to go join in on all of the fun.
Also, have fun! There can be many frustrating or stressful moments when you are in a musical. Like when you can’t remember your lines, or forgot the counts on a dance you just learned. But if you focus on all of the things you are doing wrong, you won’t see the beauty, and musical will lose its magic. So simply have fun, don’t let your mistakes hold you back, and no matter what happens stand up, dust yourself off, and try again.
What qualities do you see exemplified in the adults who help put on this show that you will take with you as you leave NCHS and how do they demonstrate these qualities?
The adults who work to help us put on these musicals show patience, understanding, and dedication. It truly takes a village to put on a musical. The directors, costumer designers, members of the pit, parent volunteers, and everyone in between take time out of their busy lives to ensure that we can put on an amazing performance. I hope to take these qualities with me into the next chapter of my life, and proudly show others what I have gained from having the opportunity to perform in these musicals.
What about Sister Act is different from other musicals you have been in?
“Sister Act” is different than any other show I have been in because over half of the cast will be wearing the same outfits. We have already been reminded several times during choreography practices that we will have to over do every movement we make since the habits will prevent any small movements from being seen.
What will you miss the most once the final curtain closes on your NCHS musical career?
I will miss having the opportunity to perform on stage, and the feeling of stepping into a character outside of myself.