Hapnot Collegiate students are eager to raise the curtain on their upcoming production of Sympathy Jones: The New Secret Agent Musical.
Teacher Kim Jones says students and staff have been working hard not only with lines, but also with sets and music for the Dinner Theatre production.
In years past Hapnot has relied on either a CD or a pianist accompaniment. With neither of those options available this year, the cast will work with a pit band made up of students as well as musicians from the community.
Rehearsals for Sympathy Jones started in November, leaving Jones confident in the students’ ability to be prepared for the February 25 and 26 shows.
A nearly all-female cast will tell the story of Sympathy Jones, a secretary at a spy office looking to break into the business herself.
Set in the 1960s, the musical is a spy comedy along the lines of
Austin Powers and
Get Smart.
Of the cast of about 20, only two performers are male. Due to licensing agreements, Jones says the school is not allowed to change the gender of any of the characters, so girls will also play the male parts.
“That’s just who showed up for the auditions,” said Jones, now working on her fifth Dinner Theatre production at Hapnot. “They’ll be dressed as men, speaking in lower voices and acting as male characters.”
Test abilities
The musical will test the actors’ abilities and, it is hoped, help them grow as individuals.
In the musical, Sympathy Jones, a spy secretary with a sexist boss, decides to take matters into her own hands when she is denied the chance to work as a spy.
“Nothing is out of reach,” said Jones, thinking about what the musical teaches those involved. “Just follow your dreams and put yourself out there.”
The musical also teaches students to take risks.”
“Good risks, obviously, but to take risks,” said Jones.
In years past Hapnot’s theatrical production has included a dinner served by students.
This will mark the second year in which a meal will not be provided. Instead, audience members are encouraged to bring their own appetizers and snacks. Hapnot will continue to provide beverages.
Tickets for Sympathy Jones: The New Secret Agent Musical will be available at Hapnot Collegiate as well as Northern Rainbow’s End.
A trailer for the upcoming performance can be seen at hapnot
collegiate.com.
