Mabry Mitchell daughter of Matthew and Sandra Mitchell will portray Susan Waverly in the NCHS Musical production of White Christmas on December 16-19th.
What musicals have you been in at NCHS and what characters/roles did you play?
My first musical was Music Man where I had the role of Gracie Shinn. I also took part in Cinderella as a dancer, as well as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as Benjamin’s wife.
What was your favorite musical and why?
My favorite musical was Cinderella. I participated in Cinderella my freshman year so I was a dancer. Being a dancer was a great way to start my high school musical career. I got to dance with a group of girls that soon became my musical family. Cinderella was also my favorite because I got to watch all of the upperclassmen perform, and I was able to learn from them. Everyone I danced with throughout the show was awesome, and the memories I made from that musical remind me of why I have always continued to participate in the musicals.
What scene in White Christmas is your favorite and why? (This does not have to be a scene you are in)
In White Christmas, my favorite scene is the finale. This scene is my favorite because as the whole cast stands across the stage singing, the entire auditorium is filled with a feeling of joy. Standing with all of my fellow cast members as we sing our final song is an amazing feeling, and that feeling is what gives me the confidence to continue musical. During the finale, I glance around me and I get to see all of the people who have become my musical family. The finale is also my favorite scene because as I sing the final song, I know that I have made it through another show and I feel accomplished.
What are three things being in the musical have taught you? and how have you learned these?
The first thing musical has taught me is how to make friends. All of the kids that make up the cast not only come from different grades but different friend groups and backgrounds. By the end of each musical season, the entire cast is one huge family. No matter what we go through, we go through it together. A second thing musical has taught me is how to work with others. Each person in the cast has an important role. While some roles are bigger than others, each person that participates is vital to the show. It takes teamwork to put on a great show, and during each musical, every cast member learns to work with one another to make the show the best it can be. Lastly, a third thing I have learned is that it is important to do things that make you happy. When it comes to auditions for musicals, sometimes it is really hard to decide what part to go for. Many people might try to influence what part someone auditions for, but ultimately the part that someone tries out for is their personal decision. No matter what anyone says, people need to do what would be best for them. If someone’s heart isn’t completely in the role that they take on, that character is going to be difficult and unenjoyable. However, when someone takes on a part that they love, they will be able to embody that character and they will enjoy it wholeheartedly.
What are two pieces of advice you would give young people who want to start performing in musicals at NCHS?
The first piece of advice I would give is to have confidence. Having confidence in yourself and your abilities is one of the most important things when it comes to performing. From personal experience, sometimes it is really hard to have confidence in yourself. But throughout the musical, there will be plenty of cast members to give you pep talks and encourage you when you’re struggling. I know this year I have struggled a lot with confidence, but having friends who encourage me has helped me more than I could have ever imagined. The second piece of advice I would give is to always remember to have fun. Performing in the musicals at NCHS can be a wonderful experience. While it is very stressful at times, it is important to remember the reason behind participating. Of course, the goal is to put on a great show, but a great show is hard to come by without having fun. So, no matter what, always go on stage and have fun while you perform. I can say from experience that your performance will go so much better if you just walk out on stage and have the time of your life.
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 quality that I see in the adults who help put on this show is perseverance. No matter what obstacles arise, the adults always push through and make the show possible. The costume ladies are constantly working to ensure that everyone has what they need. When something goes wrong, they are always there to help. The directors always have obstacles that arise, but they continue to find a way to make everything work. Another quality that I see exemplified in the adults is their dedication. Each adult that helps with the musical takes time out of their personal life to help us students put on a great show. The costume ladies spend who knows how many hours working to make costumes for each cast member. The time and effort they put into making the show happen is incredible. The set crew takes time to come and build sets, and without sets, a show would not be able to happen. Lastly, the directors are always at practices to help us students get better, so when showtime does arrive we can put on the best show possible. Both of these qualities are very important in many aspects of life, and I will take these with me as I leave NCHS.
What will you miss the most once the final curtain closes on your NCHS musical career?
Once the final curtain closes on my NCHS musical career, the thing I will miss most is the friendships that accompany being a cast member. Throughout my years in the musicals, I have made so many friendships and I will cherish those memories for years to come. Being in the musicals at NCHS is like becoming part of a huge family, and I am going to miss every bit of that. As a senior, I’m still making friendships even though I’ve known a lot of the cast members for some time now. So, as the final curtain closes, I will look back and remember all of the fun times I’ve had backstage as well as all the times that were difficult to get through, and ultimately I will remember all of the people who allowed me to make some of the most awesome memories while being part of the NCHS musicals.
