By Rikki Cason<br><a href="mailto:rikki.cason@journal-register.com">E-mail Rikki</a>
LYNDONVILLE — As the curtain goes up this weekend, the cast and crew of Lyndonville High School will be ready to perform their rendition of “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”
Set in the 1920s, the production centers on Millie Dillmount, a fearless girl from Kansas, who moves to New York City to test the modern ideas she has read about.
“The students have done amazing,” director Diane Thurber said. “They have gone the extra mile this year. They learned their lines perfectly. I’m extremely proud. It was an extra tough show, musically, and they have risen to the occasion.”
Playing the clueless, strictly business New York City boss, Trevor Graydon, is junior Jesse Follman. Follman said that he got involved in musicals to hang out more with his friends and thinks that as far as talent, this is one of the best shows he’s been involved in.
“I like when I fall in love with Miss Dorothy and get denied,” he said of his favorite scene. “I think the audience will enjoy Millie.”
Playing his love interest, senior Kelsey Lonigan will portray Miss Dorothy Brown.
“It’s really funny,” Lonigan said of the musical. “The music is good and the scenes. If I was in the audience, I’d be laughing really hard.”
Although this role has been more challenging than some in the past, she said that overall, she has had an exciting time.
“It’s really sad,” she said of the fact that it’s her last show. “But the musical is a really fun one to end with. It’s exciting.”
Senior Alissa Gee will also be performing in her last Lyndonville musical, taking on the lead role of Millie Dillmount.
“I’m definitely going to miss the cast,” she said. “It’s a ton of fun. The best experience I’ve had doing a musical. It’s really sad, though.”
Although Gee plans to pursue music education while in college, she hopes to have time to continue acting in musicals.
“If I have the time, I’d love to continue,” Gee said. “It’s so fun being here.”
For freshman Elijah Simon, this musical will be his first performance.
“I saw my sister perform in plays and got inspired by her,” he said. “It’s definitely worth it.”
Simon will play Jimmy Smith, the ‘city slicker, player’ as he describes it, who becomes Millie’s love interest and changes his ways as he falls in love.
“Thoroughly Modern Millie” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in the high school auditorium.
“They will love the whole show,” Thurber said of the audience. “There is tapping, swing, the Charleston, solos and duets. There is nothing not to like with this show.”
Tickets for “Thoroughly Modern Millie” are $5 for adults and $3.50 for students and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at Rosenkrans in Medina and Serendipity in Lyndonville.
