Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, Monroe-Woodbury High School will be performing its annual spring musical. This year’s musical is “Working.”

The musical is based on the Studs Terkel book “Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do” (1974), which has interviews with people from different regions and occupations.

“Right now, we are more thankful to essential workers than ever before, as they have helped us get through these difficult times,” said theater teacher Ms. Pacht. “‘Working’ is a story that honors the working class of American, and we are so excited to get started!”

The musical will be directed by Ms. Pacht with musical direction by Dr. Crone, orchestra by Mr. Regan, production assistance by Ms. Balousek, and A/V by Mr. Kertanski.

Given the current state of the pandemic, the musical must follow certain restrictions.

“The musical [will] follow all CDC and DOH recommendations,” said Ms. Pacht. “Right now that is virtual or streamed.”

However, if conditions were to improve, there is a chance that the musical could be performed in-person.

“There may be a possibility for a live, distanced, outdoor performance like other districts did in the fall or a live performance indoors with a socially-distanced audience,” said Pacht. “All things depend on the state of the state in the spring.

Rehearsals are currently underway and, according to Ms. Pacht, the production will showcase “the best talent the high school has to offer” – singers, actors, dancers, technicians, artists, and more!

The production will be presented virtually to all audiences everywhere on June 4 and 5, 2021.

Both junior Aiet Gjonbalaj and senior Samantha Sullivan maintain that an in-person musical would be better than a virtual one if allowed.

“I don’t think I would enjoy a virtual musical over an in-person one,” said Gjonbalaj. “An in-person performance would have a more lasting effect on the audience.”

“I would enjoy an in-person musical more,” said Sullivan. “I am keeping my fingers crossed the play can be performed in person.”