The show goes on, masks and all, in the transformed high school gym

Park High School Theater students are excited for the curtain to go up – in person even! – of the show they’ve been working months on, “The Theory of Relativity.”

If the sneak-peak allowed to this reporter of The Journal Saturday afternoon is any indication, these students actors, tech staff and directors are debuting a show Friday night that will be remembered for many years to come for a variety of reasons.

First and foremost, the performances and singing are nothing short of professional. The set design, lighting and behind the scenes dedication is evident. And credit obviously goes to staff overseeing the production for bringing “The Theory of Relativity” to life in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It wasn’t lost on participants how meaningful this year’s show is. Last year’s musical was cancelled, as the pandemic shut down schools just prior to the curtain rise.

The community has an opportunity to see “The Theory of Relativity” in person, as there will be live and virtual performances. Live shows are being held in the Park High School gym, which has been transformed to a whole new world to allow for adequate spacing “on stage” and in the bleachers. In-person showtimes are Friday, April 16 and Saturday April 17 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 18 at 2 p.m. Reserve your tickets, as they’re going fast with about half-claimed for Friday night already. Adult tickets are $10, and senior citizens and students pay $5. Visit https://www.parkwolfpack.org/tickets to purchase.

Seating is limited to 150 people per performance.

Tickets for the live-stream event Friday through Sunday, April 23-25 at the same times are also available at the website. The cost is $10 per device streamed.

Director Tracy Caponigri is impressed with her students’ handling of both the show and performing it in the midst of the pandemic. She described “The Theory of Relativity” as a “song-cycle musical.”

“It’s not your typical musical. It’s not cabaret style. It’s scenes, but they’re all connected. It tells the story of our interconnectedness as humans,” she said. “That’s kind of what it explores.”

Initially the intent was to have the show be filmed and virtual only. Since students were brought back for in-person learning and sports are allowed to play, the decision was made to perform the show in Wolfpack Stadium. As restrictions are eased, the show was moved into the gym where it has a kind of “permanent” home, for the next few weeks at least.

“It’s been really good that we were able to move in here and be consistently in our space,” said Caponigri.

How have the students adapted to the inperson performance and masks?

“They’ve been so excited. They’ve been showing up every day with the most energy in the world. They’ve just been so amazing. Cast, crew, everyone, they’re bringing their all.”

The show features 15 student actors, six techs, a camera crew, directors and 30 band members.

“We were able to have a pit orchestra because trying to piece that together when we had to film would have been difficult. So, they’re coming out before the show and doing some dramatic songs, kind of like a pep band,” she said.

The gym has been retrofitted for the show.

“We wanted that rock concert kind of feel,” said Caponigri.

She said the gym allows for the students to be spaced 12 feet apart. They aren’t required to wear masks while singing.

“Not once have any of them complained about masks. Singing in a mask, it’s hard to get your breath support. Not one of them has complained,” said Caponigri.

Student director junior Kaylie Gamnis has been busy getting the show ready for opening night. Actually, the students were working on the film version Saturday.

“It’s very exciting,” she said of being back in theater. “I’ve missed it a lot.”

“I think it’s such a special opportunity to be able to have this and participate with in and connect with everybody else, especially after such a long time where we were not able to be near anybody or have that connectivity,” said junior Becca Hayward, who plays Oliver in the show. “It’s really fun being able to come back together.”

Said junior Katherine Kalis, “I think it’s really great that this year we get to come back together, even though in the fall we didn’t get to do anything. It just means a lot that I get to be part of the theater community again and see everyone. It’s really fun. I get to make my own journey about what my preferences are in life, and I get to tell my story, and it’s really wonderful to hear everybody else and just have your own little part in that.”

Sophomore Sadie Jones brings a unique perspective to the show, since she elected to learn virtually this year.

“I’m a full-time virtual student, so it has been really nice. Although I’m not socializing during the day, I’m getting my work done, and then I’m able to come here. It’s a really good balance to the day, and it kind of helps us get back into a new normal,” she said. “We’ve done shows this year, and all of them have been a little bit different. This is the first one where we have had a live audience this year, which is so cool. I honestly don’t mind that we’re in the gym, because it looks amazing.”

Park High School students prepared to film their performance of “The Theory of Relativity” Saturday. Photos by John McLoone.