By Sama Allam

Around this time of year every year, many Tempe Prep students are placed in casts — theatre casts, specifically. While some students can be seen walking around with casts, today the spotlight shines on the recently cast students for the Secret Garden musical.

Directed by Mr. Sanderson, this year the students of Tempe Prep will not only act on stage but will sing as well. Along with all the generous help of Mrs. Wilkison, Mrs. Stewart, and Dr. Wolfe in all matters musical, this year’s production will surely blow us all away.

Although some may believe otherwise, due to the many difficulties that producing a musical brings. However, Mr. Sanderson expresses confidence in the production’s current progress: “I was really happy with all the talent [at the auditions]. It’s a very hard show, it’s a very challenging score and I really didn’t know who we had . . . I knew a lot of students as actors, [but] not as singers.” Above all, though, Mr. Sanderson reassures that auditions are not talent competitions; he and Mrs. Stewart assigned the roles to the students they believed best embodied the characters.

Mr. Sanderson welcomes the transition from straight plays to musicals with open arms and further expresses his excitement at producing a musical this year, stating, “Students can get exposed to, both as audience members and performers, different kinds of theatre.” While many, along with Mr. Sanderson, communicate enthusiasm at this musical, others’ opinions convey uncertainty at this year’s choice of production. In response to questions about casting a sixth grader – Kailana Williams – for the main role, Mr. Sanderson stands firm in his decision: “I’m really not worried. The student we have playing Mary is excellent. She’s really experienced in theatre; she’s done many plays before.”

And for the closing act, Mr. Sanderson reveals his goals in regards to the musical production as well as in everyday teaching: “For students to learn about theatre, . . . have fun while doing it, and develop a deeper love for theatre.” While Mr. Sanderson holds high hopes for the musical’s performance, more so than anything else, he wishes for “the students [to] learn and enjoy the process.”