Musicals
Cinderella (2022-2023)
The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers and Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm, and elegance. Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella was the most widely viewed program in the history of the medium. Its recreation in 1965 starring Lesley Ann Warren was no less successful in transporting a new generation to the miraculous kingdom of dreams-come-true, and so was a second remake in 1997, which starred Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother. As adapted for the stage, with great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, this romantic fairy tale still warms the hearts of children and adults alike. This Enchanted Edition is inspired by the 1997 teleplay.
High School Musical (2021-2022)
Disney’s High School Musical on Stage! centers on the blossoming relationship between Troy, a high school jock, and Gabriella, the new smart girl at school. They meet on a family vacation and become attracted to each other while singing in a karaoke competition. Rediscovering each other at school, their relationship and their surprise decision to audition together for the school show are thwarted by the school’s current leading lady, Sharpay, and Troy and Gabriella’s well-meaning friends. Finally, Gabriella and Troy find a way to be themselves and are rewarded with the lead roles in the school show. Full of catchy songs and exciting dance routines, Disney’s High School Musical on Stage! explores issues of friendship, first love, and acceptance.
The King and I (2019-2020)
The King and I is based on Margaret Landon's novel, Anna and the King of Siam (1944), which is in turn derived from the memoirs of Anna Leonowens, governess to the children of Kin Mongkut of Siam int he early 1860s.
The musical's plot relates the experiences of Anna, a British schoolteacher who is hired as part of the King's drive to modernize his country. The relationship between the King and Anna is marked by conflict through much of the piece, as well as by a love to which neither can admit.
This WHS production took place as the world was turned upside down overnight due to the coronavirus on March 13, 2020.
It was the last "normal" day of school experienced at Wheelersburg Local Schools for over 2 years.
Seussical (2018-2019)
"Seussical" is based on the children's stories of Dr. Seuss. with most of its plot being based on Horton Hears a Who!, while incorporating many other stories.
Now one of the most performed shows in America, Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! All of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters are brought to life, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.
Footloose (2017-2018)
"Footloose" is an American musical that tells the story of Ren McCormack, an upbeat Chicago teen who moves to a small town in which, as a result of the efforts of a local minister, dancing, and rock music have been banned.
The film is loosely based on actual events that took place in the small, rural, and religious community of Elmore City, Oklahoma.
The Music Man (2015-2016)
The Music Man is a musical with book, music, and lyrics by Meredith Willson, based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey. The plot concerns con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys' band organizer and leader and sells band instruments and uniforms to naive Midwestern townsfolk, promising to train the members of the new band. Harold is no musician, however, and plans to skip town without giving any music lessons. Prim librarian and piano teacher Marian sees through him, but when Harold helps her younger brother overcome his lisp and social awkwardness, Marian begins to fall in love. Harold risks being caught to win her.
The Wizard of Oz (2014-2015)
The Wizard of Oz is.. Well, WONDERFUL! This is the story of Dorothy, the little farm girl who goes on a wild adventure, after being knocked unconscious during a tornado, in the land of Oz. There, she meets some crazy friends, who help her on her quest to meet the Wizard and return home!
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2013-2014)
"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" is an incredibly lively show that follows the Biblical story of Joseph and his ten brothers through their wild adventure. Basically, the brothers sold off Joseph to some nomadic traders, who gave him, as a slave, to a rich man named Potiphar. What the boys didn't know, however, is that Joseph had a special gift, which gains him recognition during his time in slavery.
Annie (2012-2013)
The classic story of the little orphan that could! Annie is a wonderful musical for people of all ages, and is centered around a young girl in the Big Apple, circa 1970, who had always dreamed of meeting her parents. She is then adopted by a wealthy businessman, who she refers to as "Daddy Warbucks;" However, Annie still longs to be reunited with her original family, and Daddy Warbucks plans to make her dream come true. A conflict then arises when the antagonists of the show appear and try to take the place of Annie's parents!
Bye, Bye, Birdie (2011-2012)
"Bye, Bye, Birdie" is a beautifully written classic, which Mrs. Harner embarked upon as her first full-length production, as director at Wheelersburg High School. It was performed March 23-25, 2012.
The story was inspired by the phenomenon of popular singer Elvis Presley and his draft notice into the Army in 1957. The rock star character's name, "Conrad Birdie", is word play on the name of Conway Twitty. Twitty is best remembered today for his long career as a country music star, but in the late 1950s, he was one of Presley's rock 'n' roll rivals.
A Bit of Broadway (2010-2011)
"A Bit of Broadway" was presented April 16-17, 2011. It was a revue featuring songs and scenes from classic and contemporary musicals ranging from "The Sound of Music" to "Legally Blonde."
