The cast of the WHS Thespian Troupe perform the play they started rehearsing for in January. Merlin Hitt bought all the artificial wisteria available in the U.S. for the set. From left: Sasha Putnam, Grace Hanni, Hava Cundall, Quinn Lawrence, Robert Hendon, Brooke May, Halle Smith and Tad Winter.
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Ton Winter
WHEATLAND – After the longest rehearsal period in the WHS Thespian Troupe’s history, the group performed “Enchanted April” last weekend to an audience socially distanced in the WHS auditorium.
The auditions were held in January with rehearsals starting soon after and then just a couple of weeks before what was to be the show week – COVID hit, putting a hold on when or if the show would happen. But coaches Merlin Hitt and Kalyn Krotz were determined to make sure the show happened.
“We’ve got too many seniors to just let it go. The actors are ready as are the sets and costumes,” explained Hitt. “There had to be a way.”
And they found it. With directives from the school and public health, the show went on. There wasn’t an admission fee, just a large jar for donations. Ushers (set crew members dressed as servants) led patrons to seats far removed from others while wearing masks. Six seniors participated in their final show for Wheatland High School.
“I’m glad that I got to do it,” said senior Hava Cundall. “I’ve gained emotional growth from acting and participating in drama. This last show really meant a lot.”
The graduates weren’t the only ones saying “goodbye,” long-time coach Merlin Hitt has retired after 21 years coaching the drama program in Wheatland.
“It’s time to pass it on to someone else. The program has been built up and it’s really strong. I hope it continues,” Hitt said with both pride and sadness. “Working with these kids has kept me young. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without this opportunity.”
Another fortuitous moment caused by COVID was how many former drama students were able to attend the show because their original plans would have had them spread far and wide instead of being in their hometown this summer. All were there to support the kids and to honor Hitt’s contribution to the theatre education in Wheatland. The final night he was presented with a plaque and a memory book including photos, programs and memories from the last two decades along with letters from former students expressing the tremendous affect he made in their lives. There were quite a few tears shed onstage and in the audience.
“It’s all been for the kids. Over 45 scholarships have been offered to students involved in drama, not all of them utilized them – but they were earned. That’s what my legacy is, I helped kids get an education.”
