Worland Middle School presents 'Blue Suede Paws' next week

WORLAND - Returning after a five-year hiatus, the Worland Middle School music and drama departments will be presenting the musical "Blue Suede Paws" next Friday and Saturday.

The curtain opens at 7 p.m. both nights at the Worland Middle School Auditorium. Tickets are available at the door.

There are 31 cast members under the direction of Amy Wright and new music teacher Connor Dennis. Dennis said he and Wright selected the musical because it had been a while since it was performed and they both felt it was a good production for Dennis to get his first experience directing. He said he performed at the high school and collegiate levels but never had the opportunity to direct until his first year at Washakie County School District No. 1.

"Blue Suede Paws" follows the plight of Rupert, a teenaged boy lacking confidence who visits crazy scientist Murdoch Dangerfield and things go awry, according to cast members and eighth graders Tanner Lowry and Samantha Pierce.

Pierce and Dennis said the show features spoofs on many hit 1950 songs including "You Ain't Nothin' But A Werewolf."

Pierce said the audience will also get some "Grease" vibes throughout the production.

Some of the comedy is a bit "cheesy," Pierce said, with Dennis noting that he and Wright are fans of "cheesy."

The audience can also be prepared as the play is somewhat interactive.

Pierce portrays "Maime" the bully girlfriend of the main bully. "I'm not like that character," Pierce said, noting some cast members joke with her that she is not mean enough for the role.

However, for Pierce it is fun portraying something different than herself, which is why she likes theater. "It's fun being something you're not, but at the same time you have the opportunity to be yourself. Everyone in theater is accepting of everyone," she said.

Lowry plays Tyler, the newspaper delivery boy. "It's kind of easy. He likes weird things and he is not scared of anything," Lowry said of his character. He said unlike his character he is "kind of" scared of wasps.

Both Pierce and Lowry have been involved in theater for many years and this school year, Lowry was a cast member of the Worland High School production of "Arsenic and Old Lace."

He plans on being involved in drama and perhaps speech and debate in high school.

Pierce, who is also an athlete, said she will have to wait and see what her schedule allows on whether she continues with theater at WHS, however she does plan on being involved in the upcoming Missoula Children's Theater production later this month.

The cast was selected prior to the winter break and have been rehearsing in the new year Monday through Thursday for two hours after school.

Dennis said the cast will be ready for the production next week.