Musicals Return to Wayne High School

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Record Number: 19746
Displayed from: May 17, 2023 , until: Jul 17, 2023
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After nearly a decade in the dark, the stage lights at Wayne High School are shining bright as students prepare to perform the musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Interest in musical theater had declined over the years at Wayne and then COVID further complicated musical theater. Now, with the drive of two passionate directors, Nate Jenkins and Mell Depew, and a group of students who believe the show must go on, there will be a musical this year. The students have been cast and work is well underway.

Students will perform the musical based on the comic strip, “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz, at 7 p.m. May 19 and 20 and 3 p.m. May 21. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for children younger than 5. 

The students participating in the musical are excited about this opportunity: 
  
“This is very important to me; I mean my whole life is music! I joined theater to make friends and to join something where I know I belong. Depew and Jenkins have made my theater experience so much fun and amazing. I could have never asked for better amazing, theater coaches.”  Davionnte Nelson (Pig Pen), 10th grade, Wayne High School 

"I’ve never done theater before but have experience acting with my voice in my spare time. I feel honored and surprised of being the main lead was not expecting it to be honest. I’m glad it’s happening in Wayne and cannot wait for the reactions from the audience."  Adrian Igot (Charlie Brown), ninth grade, Wayne High School 

“I have never been a part of a musical before and the fact I get to be a lead role makes me happy. I am excited to be going to Wayne next year and be a part of this theater program,”  Benrey Hill (Linus), eighth grade, Lakeside Middle School 

“It is hard to believe that Wayne has yet to have a musical in around 10 years! I am proud to say I get to be a part of bringing back theater at Wayne. Although we have gone through challenges, I am glad that we have come so far and have persevered to make greatness. Being a part of this cast and working with my peers to make something fun and entertaining has truly been amazing, and I am excited that our hard work has finally paid off.” Lillian Renner (Snoopy), 10th grade, Wayne High School 

 

With nearly 30,000 students, Fort Wayne Community Schools is one of the largest school districts in Indiana. FWCS proudly allows families to choose any of its 50 schools through its successful school-choice program creating diversity in each school, including some with more than 75 languages spoken. FWCS offers seven magnet schools focusing on areas such as science and math, communication, fine arts or Montessori at the elementary and middle school level. In high school, students can choose from the prestigious International Baccalaureate program, Project Lead the Way or New Tech Academy as well as other rigorous academic and specialty training programs.