Lily Bierman, daughter of Ben and Jill Bierman, will perform the role of Betty Haynes 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 at NCHS was “The Music Man” in which I played a townsperson child. The next musical I was in I played “Marta” in “The Sound of Music” in 3rd grade. Entering high school I was in “Cinderella” freshmen year as a dancer. Sophomore and Junior year I was a dream dancer in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat”.
What was your favorite musical and why?
My favorite musical so far would have to be “The Sound of Music”. Being young and getting to do everything musical entails was so much fun.
What scene in White Christmas is your favorite and why?
Although every scene in White Christmas is great, my favorite scene is probably the “Falling Out of Love”. The song is so fun to sing with the three parts and the people I’m singing it with make it so much easier to really portray the attitude needed for the song!
What are three things being in the musical have taught you? and how have you learned these?
One thing the musical has taught me is that anything can be fun if you are with the right people. Long nights of practice were made so much easier because of the fun we had making the show better. Another lesson has been the concept of time management. Being in a musical is a big time commitment and learning to balance everything is key to not going crazy! Probably the most important lesson I have learned is to trust the process. Sometimes just trusting the process and the work we have put in is all we need to make the show great.
What are two pieces of advice you would give young people who want to start performing in musicals at NCHS?
My advice to anyone wanting to get involved in the NCHS musical department is to do your best and go for it. When the tryout and audition process starts everyone is feeling nervous so truly being yourself is the best way to go. Over everything the biggest advice I have is probably that no matter what role or part you get, there is always an opportunity to have a great time. Having fun on stage is for everyone and your role doesn’t matter backstage.
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?
There are so many things that go into making musicals amazing. The work ethic and commitment are only a couple things that everyone behind the scenes demonstrate. The costumers, set construction crew, lights team, and Jeremy magically making us sound great add so much to the shows.
What will you miss the most once the final curtain closes on your NCHS musical career?
Throughout all of this year so far, I have put off thinking about the end. When in the thick of practicing and the process of it all it’s so easy to look forward to the end. However, accepting the reality of it is a whole different story. I think every cast member gets that same feeling of an ending when the curtain closes on the last night. Although as a senior it really does mean the end of something so great. I think I will miss the comfort the most after the final curtain closes. It has taken four years to build the relationships that make musicals so great. After graduating we won’t have the comfort of knowing everyone anymore.
Tickets for the NCHS Production of White Christmas are on sale with cast members and in the NCHS office (618-783-2303). Shows are December 16-18th at 7pm and December 19th at 2 pm.
