Freedom Area High School was booming with the drama and the music of West Side Story on Mar. 27, 28 and 29. Sophomore Maddie Edder and Senior Robbie Raso starred in the production alongside many of our students under the direction of Ms. Debra Williamson. West Side Story was Williamson’s first show as director, though she has held a critical leadership role in our school’s musical productions for the last 24 years. And, possibly, will continue for the next 24 years.

“Yes I am planning on directing again,” Williamson said.

Raso, who starred in last year’s musical, the Wizard of Oz, as the Cowardly Lion, portrayed the lead male role, Tony. As the curtains drew to a close on the Mar. 29 performance, so did Raso’s time with the drama club.

“I was especially proud to see the underclassmen step forward to take their place and to have the opportunity to perform with them as well as the veterans of the Drama Club this one last time. It has truly been an honor,” Raso said.

Students had been practicing for the big performances since early January, and were practicing for hours on an almost daily basis in the weeks leading up to the performance.

“I think the highlight of the entire process was and always is the looks on the students faces and knowing how they felt when all is said and done,” Williamson said.

West Side Story is a tale full of romance, violence and gangs, a huge jump from last year’s innocent and fun Wizard of Oz. The somewhat scandalous storyline had actors coming out of their comfort zones on stage.

“I thought the most challenging scene for me to learn was the balcony scene, as I had never had to appear romantically interested in someone on stage before,” Raso said.

The show was a success not only because of the cast and crew, but the parents, Art club, Mrs. Kristen Milanovich, Mrs. Heather Giammaria and many more people who went in hard work to ensure the best quality show possible.

“With their assistance, more students of Freedom who were not on the stage or behind the stage were able to be a part of bringing the musical to life and to understand what an endeavor of this magnitude takes. My hope is that this continues and more students want to become involved,” Williamson said.

As the curtains close on this year’s musical, there is already the chatter of what next year’s production will be.

“I love a show with a large choreography content, but once again I need to find a show that fits the students. If it happens to have a lot of choreography, then that’s a plus,” Williamson said.