Baldwin’s spring musical will certainly look different this year, but students are putting their all into making it just as memorable as usual.

This year’s musical is Once Upon a Mattress, a comedic take on the classic Princess and the Pea tale. Due to the pandemic, the cast is socially distanced and wearing masks during ongoing rehearsals. 

Senior Alison Dalmus is confident the cast will be able to social distance while not taking away from the performance. 

“There are some unconventional ways we can do the show while still being socially distanced, like someone being elevated,” Dalmus said. “I know it won’t be easy, but I feel that we can still portray the same emotions and story while being safe at the same time.”

It is highly likely that the cast will have to perform the show with masks on this year, but clear face coverings would allow the audience to still see facial expressions and get the full experience. 

In addition to all of the changes this year, Baldwin has introduced a new musical director, Joe Joyce. 

Sophomore Morgan Smeal feels that the musical is in good hands this year with the new director. 

“I really like Mr. Joyce, and I’m so glad he’s the new director this year,” Smeal said. “We were all sad to see Mr. (Jason) Coll go, but Mr. Joyce has a lot of experience with directing and I know everything will be great.”

Junior Dennis Stanko also thinks Joyce has been a great fit for the musical.

“He’s really involved and knows a lot about directing shows,” Stanko said. “I’m excited to see how everything turns out.”

Because of COVID-19, Stanko originally wasn’t expecting a musical this year. 

“I was very surprised when I heard that we were doing a show this year, but I’m super excited for it to be a more normal year,” Stanko said. 

Musical pit member Trisha Miller, a senior, wants to make the most of her last year in the show, especially because of the experiences that the cast, crew, and pit lost last spring due to the pandemic.

“Last year we thought we were going to have a great musical, yet we were shut down before we even hit tech week,” Miller said. “COVID makes me feel like I can’t take rehearsal time for granted anymore.”

Miller is mainly just grateful to have a chance at another musical after last year’s cancellation, but she’s also looking forward to the excitement of putting on a show.

“I’m most excited for the energy of show nights,” Miller said. “Being able to show everyone what we’ve worked so hard on is an amazing feeling.”