By Leigha Hougland and Kaitlyn Cuevas
for the Salisbury Post
The Salisbury High School Theatre and Chorus departments join forces to perform the musical comedy, “Old McDonald,” directed by Salisbury’s new drama teacher, Alex Reynolds, with musical direction by chorus teacher Michael Brooks.
“Old McDonald” is the story of farm animals that want to see what the city life is like. It turns out that the city is no place for farm animals. The story offers the all-important message that you should appreciate what you have.
Scheduled to be performed at some local elementary schools, including Isenberg and Overton, “Old McDonald” is a musical that both students and teachers can find entertaining.
The play is “kooky, fun, and catchy,” Reynolds says.
Students can laugh at the hysterical animals that come to life while the teachers can enjoy the more sophisticated humor the play has to offer.
“Children are the greatest audience,” Reynolds says, describing the imaginative aspects of the musical.
“Old McDonald” incorporates talents from Salisbury High’s Advanced Drama and Advanced Chorus classes.
“Talent is wonderful; work ethic is better,” says Reynolds, praising his actors’ dedication and motivation to the play. He believes Salisbury High actors have great talent and potential that are both evident in “Old McDonald.”
Junior Haily Weddington and senior Isaiah Goodman add humor to the play through their hysterical performances as a chicken and pig.
Haily Weddington is a seasoned actress, performing in many Salisbury High productions. However, “Old McDonald” is one that the young actress seems especially excited about. “I feel like I am in a storybook,” she says. “I feel like I am a little kid again.”
Weddington enjoys performing for young children. “Little kids are the most responsive,” she says. “You feed off the energy of their imaginations.”
In addition to the performances at the different elementary schools, a public performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 18 in the Salisbury High School Auditorium.
Leigha Hougland and Kaitlyn Cuevas, seniors at Salisbury High, are interns at the Post.