Jillian Anderson, a 17-year-old student at Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts, was devastated when she learned that the spring production of “Mean Girls” was canceled. She mentioned that theater, especially this musical, was the only reason she bothered to show up at school. She expressed, “I don’t show up anymore. I am never in class, just because I don’t have a will or a drive to be there anymore.” Anderson felt like she was being dragged out of the classroom because the news was suffocating her.
Cancellation Chaos
The students had been rehearsing for two months when school officials dropped the bombshell on them. A letter from the administrators on March 3 explained that due to scheduling conflicts and lack of preparation time, the production had to be canceled. Assistant Principal Melissa Mendoza redirected inquiries to the school district communications department, which remained silent on the issue. This left many students and parents like Selma Greer, whose daughter was part of the musical, feeling helpless and frustrated.
Selma’s Determination
Selma Greer, not willing to let the students’ hard work go to waste, took matters into her own hands. She sent emails, arranged meetings, and even started a petition to revive the show. However, all her efforts were in vain. Eventually, she decided to pay $5,000 for the rights to the show, secured a venue, and organized the production independently. The show must go on, right?
Miscommunication and Mystery
The confusion among students persisted as they received varying explanations for the cancellation, including a burst pipe in the theater, scheduling conflicts, and rights issues. One significant factor was the removal of Theater Director Ernest Curcio from direct involvement with the show. Despite remaining employed at the school, his absence left a void that the students felt deeply. The impact Curcio had on the students was undeniable, with many crediting him for helping them break out of their shells and find a passion for theater.
A New Beginning
Despite the initial heartache, the students found solace in rehearsing at Positively Arts under Selma Greer’s guidance. With support from the community, including discounted studio space and venue, the show was back on track. The students poured their hearts into rehearsals, feeling grateful for the opportunity to bring “Mean Girls” to life. The dedication and commitment shown by Greer and the students reinforced the idea that sometimes, you have to take matters into your own hands to make things happen.
Closing Thoughts
In the end, what started as a devastating blow turned into a story of resilience and determination. The students found a way to overcome obstacles and put on a show that meant the world to them. Through the chaos and confusion, they discovered their strength and passion for theater. As Anderson put it, “This saved my life. These people, this show, Ms. Greer, saved me. I couldn’t be more grateful for anything in this world.” The show must go on, and in this case, it did, against all odds.
