Lights! Camera! Postponed…

By: Emily Krupicka

Northwest High School’s long-anticipated production of “Hairspray” has been moved back to an undetermined date due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. 

When school was first called off, many worried about the future of the musical. When an announcement was made to postpone the show, many students expressed distress and disappointment.

“Honestly, I was really looking forward to the musical,” said Sophomore Sydney Fisher. “I obviously understand the decision, but it’s sad because everyone was so dedicated. I hope that we can still do something!”

“Hairspray” the movie first was released in 1988 and later went on to inspire the Broadway show of the same name, which became an instant success after its debut in 2002.

Senior Abby Schneckloth, Northwest’s female lead who was set to play Tracy Turnblad, said that “Hairspray” takes place in a 1960s Baltimore, Maryland.

The plot centers around Turnblad, a quirky teen who auditions for “The Corny Collins Show.” After her unexpected win, she becomes an instant celebrity. With her newfound spotlight, she uses her fame to incorporate ideas of racial integration into the show. 

“The musical had a really great message of acceptance and understanding,” added Fisher. “It’s really too bad that people won’t get to see that just yet.”

To the students participating in the musical, the show also had a profound message of hard work and resilience. Cast members spent countless hours in after-school rehearsals to perfect their lines and their singing, each person dedicated to crafting a seamless performance.

Despite the show not being able to go on as of now, students have still expressed gratitude and understanding of the situation.

If spectators will not be able to view the show in person, there is still hope for a livestream event.

Carter Levander (Link Larkin) and Abby Schneckloth (Tracy Turnblad) rehearse their choreography for “Hairspray.”

“I’ve enjoyed working with all the cast members; they made the long rehearsals worth it.” -Carter Levander

“This whole experience has been absolutely amazing. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the cast.” -Abby Schneckloth

“Even if the show can’t go on, you really can’t stop the beat! I’m proud of everyone!” -Sydney Fisher

*Photos by Gera Baltasar-Salinas

Virus prompts exchange students to leave early

 

By: Emily Krupicka

Amidst the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, students are being asked to limit travel and stay away from others; however, the foreign exchange students attending Northwest High School have been asked to return to their home countries, cutting their stay in Grand Island short.

Gera Baltasar, a junior, arrived in the United States at the beginning of August. While stepping foot into a new country, she was hopeful about her stay in Nebraska, and, after returning home, she relished in her memories of her time in the Midwest.

“I truly enjoyed my time in America. My favorite memory was going to watch the show choir in Omaha at one of their competitions.”

Baltasar, as well as the other exchange students, made many lifelong memories here, but she was hoping to make even more in the coming months.

The students were scheduled to return back to their home countries a week after the school year ended. However, due to the coronavirus outbreak, the exchange agency requested them to return home earlier than expected. Even though the ubiquity of the outbreak has been proven perilous, the abrupt ending to their American studies was still unexpected.

“More than disappointed, I was sad and frustrated about not getting to spend more time with my friends in Grand Island, but I understood what a difficult decision the exchange agency had to make,” Baltasar said,

When she was sent back to her home country of Spain, which, at the time, was a global hotspot for the outbreak, many were saddened by her leave. Many were also worried for her overall well-being.

“I wish that I could explain to her how much her being my best friend changed my life. I hope she’s doing okay there,” said Sophomore Danyka Galvan.

In a video commemorating their time spent together, Galvan recalled the fond memories she and her friend had made during her stay.

Baltasar’s impact made a profound impact on the lives of many in Nebraska. As she battles with the abnormality of transitioning to life back in Spain, she leaves behind a promise of return.

“I will visit the U.S. again, and I can’t wait to go back and see everyone.”

*Photo Courtesy of Gera Baltasar