From the leading role of Flounder to a strong member of the boys’ ensemble, sophomore student Nathan Jenkins has continued to share his love and appreciation for theater in this year’s musical, The Little Shop of Horrors. Last year, Nathan’s musical abilities presented him with the role of Flounder in FHC’s production of The Little Mermaid. His fondness for performing led him to audition again for this year’s spring musical and he landed himself a spot singing in the boys ensemble.

“I really enjoyed playing the role of Flounder last year,” Nathan said. “This year, I also really enjoy being a part of the boys’ ensemble because we have a bunch of stage time, and it’s nice to relax and have fun.”

For those who don’t know, throughout the musical both the boys and girls ensemble add flare and more bodies onstage. They sing in almost every group song and contribute a lot to the production’s plentiful look from the audience.

“Being a part of the ensemble gets a lot more people involved with the musicals,” said Assistant Student Director Kaley Kaminski. “They make the songs seem a lot bigger, and it’s more fun to watch because there are a lot more people onstage.”

According to Nathan, his experience with being a part of the musical and performing in the boys ensemble has been nothing but educational and fun. He has really enjoyed the connections he has made with the other performers and the relationships he has built.

For senior student Ian Kastner, this is his first experience performing in one of FHC’s musical productions.

“I actually wasn’t planning on trying out for the musical this year,” Ian said. “I sang in the Random Acts of Talent, and then [senior student director] Emily Toppen convinced me to try out for this year’s show. I ended up making it, and I’m very glad that I tried out.”

Ian also agrees with Nathan in saying that he has met a lot more people through the musical. By being a part of the cast, he has been able to interact and connect with a variety of people that he might not have gotten to know otherwise.

And although the musical is beneficial for growing friendships, it takes a lot of work and long hours of commitment to produce.

“The people you meet from performing in the musical are very genuine and hardworking,” Kaley said. “Everyone practices most days after school, and it takes a while to master choreography and each of the songs.”

According to Nathan, performing a leading role is very different than being a part of a group. He said that he felt a lot more pressure last year when he was Flounder than being a part of the ensemble this year.

“When you first step onstage, everyone is watching you, no matter what part you have,” Nathan said. “[Sometimes] I get nervous that people are looking for mistakes, so I always try my hardest to do the best that I can every time that I perform.”

Being a part of the boys ensemble, Nathan has realized how important every part is. Both him and Ian have learned that it takes a lot of work to put together such a big production. Each role has something different to contribute to the overall aspect of the musical. The boys ensemble helps create volume and diversity onstage. There is a lot of talent within each ensemble, and it helps by making each song stronger and more powerful.

“This year, we have a talented boys ensemble,” Kaley said. “My job is to work with both the boys and girls in rehearsing songs or choreography. Their job is to make the scenes and dance numbers bigger, which they are all doing well.”

With the musical fast approaching, make sure to buy tickets in order to experience the talent and excitement coming from the stage.

“Everyone should definitely come to the show,” Nathan said. “It’s different than what we normally do, and I hope that everyone enjoys it as much as we do!”