As the curtain rises on this year’s Woodlands Middle High School Drama Club production, the moment represents more than just another show. For senior cast members, it marks a final bow after years on the Woodlands stage, while younger performers step forward to begin their own journeys in the spotlight.
On Friday, Drama Club students will bring Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief: The Musical to life, a high-energy adventure based on the bestselling novel by Rick Riordan. The production is directed by WMHS music teacher Ms. Johnson, with musical direction by Mr. Kennedy and choreography by Taryn Kaschock Russell. The story follows Percy Jackson, a teenager who discovers he is the son of the Greek god Poseidon and must embark on an epic quest to recover Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods.
For the students bringing the story to the stage, the journey has been just as personal and meaningful as Percy’s quest itself.
Senior performers reflected on the growth they have experienced through years of rehearsals, performances and friendships formed through the drama program. They described the experience as a mixture of joy, nostalgia, and a twinge of sadness, noting that performing on the Woodlands stage has been part of their lives since middle school.
“My last performance feels really bittersweet. I’m excited for what’s next, but this is something I’ve been doing since fifth grade. Getting to perform one more time with the friends I’ve grown up with makes it really special,” said Elizabeth Kreitzberg.
“It’s exciting to do my last show, but it’s also a little sad knowing this will be my last Drama Club performance,” added Courtney Cruz. “Being part of the club really helped me feel better about myself, and the friends I made along the way have meant a lot.”
“I have mixed feelings. I’m going to college for musical theater, so I know I’ll keep performing, but the Woodlands show has been a tradition every year. It’s something that marks this time of year, and I’ll miss being part of that,” said Donvan Russell.
The production also represents a full-circle moment. Jake Morton recalled his first show during the pandemic, when students performed on stage wearing masks and without a live audience.
“It’s been an incredible journey over the past six years,” he said. “In my first show we were wearing masks on stage and didn’t even have an audience. Now we’re expecting a full house. It really feels like a full-circle moment.”
This year’s production also features a number of younger performers, including middle school students who are new to the program. Eighth grader and lead actor Samuel Weintraub, who plays Grover, said working alongside the high school cast members has been an exciting learning experience.
“It’s been really cool. The stage is really nice, and working with the high schoolers has been great. They’ve helped me with things like blocking and choreography and really shown me the ropes.”
For audiences, the show promises plenty of excitement and humor.
“The greatest thing about the show is that it’s for all audiences,” Jake said. “It’s a silly, happy show with a lot of really meaningful themes underneath.”
The production also marks an important moment for the drama program itself. Students will perform this year with newly installed stage lighting, a project that drama club members and school leaders have worked toward for several years.
Ms. Johnson said the production represents both celebration and transition for the students involved.
“I am incredibly proud of our senior students,” Ms. Johnson said. “Watching them grow as performers over the years has been amazing. It's a bittersweet moment, but I am looking forward to seeing the same growth in our newest crop of Drama Club students.”
Like Percy himself, many of the senior performers reflected on the journey of growth, friendship and self-discovery that has shaped their time on the Woodlands stage. As they prepare for their final curtain call, a new generation of younger performers is stepping forward, continuing the story of the program.
Senior Elizabeth Kreitzberg said the moment represents both a celebration and a transition for the Drama Club community as younger performers begin taking their place on the Woodlands stage.
“This year’s cast includes a lot of middle school students. This is an opportunity for the community to come out and support the future of the program. It’s also a chance to see students who have been part of it for years take the stage together one more time.”
Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief: The Musical performance dates are March 13 at 7 p.m., March 14 at 5 p.m., and March 15 at 2 p.m. in the Woodlands Auditorium.