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BCHS students ready to succeed

Bonnyville Centralized High School (BCHS) is presenting a striking play this spring. The musical comedy, ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,’ will be staged for locals to enjoy at the Lyle Victor Albert Centre from May 3 to 5.
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Students of BCHS are ready to put on a show from May 3 to 5.

Bonnyville Centralized High School (BCHS) is presenting a striking play this spring.


The musical comedy, ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,’ will be staged for locals to enjoy at the Lyle Victor Albert Centre from May 3 to 5.


“It’s basically this story of a young man who doesn’t want to work, but wants to climb the ladder of success and step on anyone in his way,” said Nicole Baker, teacher and director for the play.


The school has been putting on productions for the last 13 years, giving students a platform to showcase their artistic skills. Some of them have been taking part in plays since they were in primary school.


“This is my fourth year being in this play, it’s just been so much fun. Our whole group is like a family and it’s so inclusive and amazing to be a part of it,” expressed Shawna Bilodeau, one of the student actors in the upcoming BCHS production.


Bilodeau is playing the character of Hedy, who’s a ditsy girl with a lovable character.


She detailed, “Hedy is really funny. There’s always that one person you know that’s stupid and funny, that’s her.”


Baker said it’s a high school production their team has been working on since October 2017.


“One of the things that I really liked about the play is that it has parts for all of the kids to have solo performances, which gives them a chance to flaunt their talents,” Baker mentioned.


The script for ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ comes from Music Theatre International in New York City, USA.


“They mail us the script and company men, and we use what we need and we send it back to them,” added Baker.


Most of the students performing are excited for their characters and look forward to the opportunity to take on new personas. They have put in a lot of practice and rehearsals.


“We spent the whole year working on this play. Everyone dedicated a lot of time to this performance, although the first night is super nerve-racking. By the third night, we’re all just glad, and it’s amazing,” Bilodeau described.


Samantha Duckett is taking on the role of the narrator and a police officer. She said she really enjoyed the process.


Aspiring to be a radio host one day, Duckett is confident and enjoys using her vocal skills.


“It’s so aesthetically pleasing and everybody enjoys it. You want people to say that,” expressed Duckett.


The casting members of the school designed auditions to test students’ ability to sing and act simultaneously.


“We picked a song for the kids to sing and they also picked a song from the list, and then we cast out of that,” detailed Baker.


Dukcett added, “My audition was nerve-racking. It was different because you have to sing a scale, then you have to sing two different songs, but it’s still good to do because it gives you more confidence and you practice for that, which makes you perfect.”


The whole team put their heart and soul into making the musical memorable, from practicing three lunch hours and one day after school each week, along with some additional rehearsals.


“I hope the community comes out and watches. We have a lot of talented youth. This cast is good and they have been working hard,” said Baker.

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