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

The isolation diaries: Taking a look at our lockdown lifestyles (student edition)

By: Emelia Richling

Across the country, schools are being shut down and self-quarantining is becoming the new norm. Even just a few months ago, none of us could have ever imagined such extreme measures. However, now that the measures are in place, people are reacting to the quarantine restrictions differently, from those who are using the extra hours for sleeping to those who are trying to be more productive.

Sydney Fisher, a sophomore, said that she has actually been more productive, managing school in the mornings and working on her business, Sydney’s Scrunchies, in the afternoon.

“Whether it’s posting on Instagram or sewing scrunchies, it keeps me busy almost every day,” Fisher said.

For some students, including Fisher, the challenge isn’t necessarily being productive but finding a quiet place to work. With siblings home from college and many parents working from home, a lot of families are now under the same roof again, creating a louder and more distracting atmosphere.

“I’ve walked in on a Zoom call more than once,” Fisher added. “It can be tough to stay focused and not get distracted.”

Amidst the challenge of staying productive and focused, there have also been a different set of challenges that some students have had to face. Activities, such as cheerleading, generally hold tryouts during this time of year, but, with the quarantine restrictions in place, they have had to find a different way to give students the same opportunity.

“This year, we had to do virtual cheer tryouts,” said Lauren Morrow, a junior. “It was difficult because we weren’t able to work with other people on the stunting and cheers.”

Morrow also discussed how she has been less productive, adding that she has definitely spent more time on social media platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat, but she also mentioned how she has been trying to stay productive by working on homework, spending time outside and completing household projects, such as cleaning.

The past several weeks have been difficult as we adjust to the new era of uncertainty settling around us, but getting the chance to take a look at the lockdown lifestyles of our peers can make us feel more together, even if we are miles apart.

*Photo Courtesy of Sydney Fisher