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 Shay Bennett, the daughter of John and Shasta Bennett who will be portraying Mother Superior.
What musicals have you been in at NCHS and what characters/roles did you play?
I have been in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat pt 1 and pt 2 in the children’s chorus. Beauty and the Beast in the children’s chorus. Mamma Mia in the ensemble. Oklahoma as Ellen. Six as “Anne Boleyn”. Newsies as “Les”. Sister Act as “Mother Superior”
What was your favorite musical and why?
My favorite musical was Newsies. The dancing and songs were very different from any of the other musicals that I have been in. I also played the part of a 9-year-old boy, so it was fun to do something that was drastically different than anything I had before. Overall, it was a very fun musical.
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 Sunday Morning Fever. The song is very lively and upbeat, and the dancing and acting during it are very fun. The scene has a lot of surprises, and it’s the first scene after intermission, so it’s a big opener back into the musical.
What are three things being in the musical have taught you? and how have you learned these?
- Musical has taught me how to be able to speak in front of people and become more confident. Performing in front of people helped my presenting skills and improved my ability to speak to a large group of people.
- Musical has taught me the value of hard work. Musical requires a lot of work and dedication. From the long hours of practicing singing, acting, and dancing, to performing in front of a crowd. I learned that hard work always pays off in the long run, and that even when you feel like quitting, the end result will always be worth it.
- Musical has taught me to express my true self. Being up in front of a crowd is scary and maybe a little embarrassing at times. But during my time in musical, I’ve become less worried about what people think about me. Musical has shown me that, especially in this community, it’s okay to stand out and be different from what everyone else is doing.
What are two pieces of advice you would give young people who want to start performing in musicals at NCHS?
Two pieces of advice I would give are that if you’re considering doing musical, you should. I have never regretted joining musical, and I know many people who have joined and regretted not doing it sooner. My other piece of advice is to be confident in yourself and your abilities. Being confident makes you feel better about yourself and helps you look better when performing in front of people.
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?
One of the biggest qualities I see in the adults who work on the show is dedication. They invest an incredible amount of time and energy, often behind the scenes, to make sure everything runs smoothly. They consistently show commitment and reliability. I also see a lot of patience and passion. They understand that we are still learning, and they create an environment where mistakes are part of growth. These qualities are things I hope to carry with me beyond high school.
What about Sister Act is different from other musicals you have been in?
Sister Act feels different from other musicals I’ve been in because of its distinct style, tone, and overall message. Sister Act blends comedy, heart, and high-energy music in a way that feels uniquely uplifting. The show balances humor with genuine emotional moments, creating a story that is both entertaining and meaningful. The gospel-inspired music, vibrant characters, and strong themes of friendship, growth, and finding where you belong give the production a joyful, feel-good energy that sets it apart. It’s a show that relies not just on big moments, but on personality, connection, and a shared sense of fun throughout the entire performance.
What will you miss the most once the final curtain closes on your NCHS musical career?
What I’ll miss the most is the sense of family that comes with being part of a production. There’s something special about the shared experience of rehearsals, inside jokes, late nights, and the excitement of performance days. The stage becomes a place where everyone supports each other, and that kind of connection is hard to replicate. I’ll also miss the feeling of stepping into a character and being part of something bigger than myself. Most of all, I’ll miss the people, the friendships, the laughter, and the memories created throughout the process.
