Echoes Never Die, A Musical Tribute to Logan High School now onstage

Logan High School’s auditorium came to life Thursday evening with the first of three performances of <em>Echoes Never Die</em>, an original musical written and directed by the school’s student body president, Alex Lambert.

“Opening night was fun!” said Lambert.  “It was fun to add the final collaborator—the audience—to this work. Things have a way of coming together on opening night, and I’m proud of what the cast and crew were able to accomplish.”

<em>Echoes Never Die</em> is a student-driven production featuring 12 original songs, also written by Lambert. Finishing makeup, tuning instruments and adjusting mics just before the curtain opened, members of the cast, pit orchestra and stage crew were abuzz with excitement and anticipation as they prepared to share a tribute to their school that has become deeply personal during months of preparation.

In the works since June, production of the musical—described as a “dream come true” for Lambert—has been eye-opening for the students involved. Klara Ricks, who plays the part of “Ella,” also choreographed the show and was surprised at how much effort the production required.

“We started off with some fun ideas and just spun it around, and now it’s a full-scale musical,” she said. “It’s really been a ton of work, a ton of work. We thought it would be easy, but it’s not!”

From the set design to the costumes and choreography, Ricks said “everything” about the show required tremendous effort. Tay Erickson, who managed sound, agrees.

“Doing live sound is definitely harder than I expected it to be. This is the first year I’ve ever run completely live sound on my own, and it’s new,” she said, “but I’m really excited about this show. It’s something I think a lot of people should see. It’s really inspiring considering it’s done by a high school boy who wants this to be his career. It’s super exciting because it makes you realize that even still being in high school, you can do whatever you want.”

<em>Echoes Never Die</em> is based on the campus of Logan High School and the surrounding neighborhood during the 1941-1942 school year, with the outbreak of World War II changing the direction of the students’ lives and redefining their focus. While its genre is historical fiction, the production brings back two beloved teachers from the past, as well as a host of Logan High School traditions, including pushing the principal into the canal! Curtis White, a senior at Logan High, plays the part of Mr. Glenn Worthington, who taught PE at the school in the 1940s.

“Halfway through the show,” White explained, “there’s the announcement that we’re going to war with Japan. Some of the kids end up going off to war and it’s just kind of their story, along with what happens here at home.”

Written to celebrate Logan High School’s centennial, <em>Echoes Never Die</em> is a reflection of community, patriotism and coming of age. Woven into the script are stories of young love, heartbreaking challenges and personal growth. The story also reflects the legacy of genuine concern demonstrated by Logan High School’s teachers both inside and outside of the classroom.

Kristina Carter plays the role of Miss Inez Maughan, who was teaching English at Logan High when the United States entered World War II.

“I think it’s really neat to be able to portray how much the teachers care about the students,” said Carter. “In preparing for the role, I did a lot of research on teachers and journals they have and how they feel. It’s been really inspiring and also allows me to appreciate teachers more.”

Samantha Armstrong who orchestrated the music for <em>Echoes Never Die</em> (with help from John Carter, Kristina Carter’s father) said there’s a lot to be inspired about with regard to <em>Echoes Never Die.</em>

“To be honest, I hope the music makes people cry,” she said. “There are more heartfelt numbers in this show than there are not, and I spent hours upon hours pouring my heart into them. I also hope the audience can feel not just the mood of the moment as they interact with the characters being portrayed on stage, but also the heart and soul that’s been put into this whole show, and not just by me. I spent hours and hours on this music, but I also know the actors have spent just as much if not more time on being able to bring out that emotion in what’s been given to them. It would be way cool if the audience could feel that.”

Community members who missed opening night have two remaining opportunities to experience the sentiment Armstrong describes. <em>Echoes Never Die, A Musical Tribute to Logan High School,</em> will be presented again tonight, March 24, at 7:30 p.m., with a final showing on Monday, March 27. While ticket purchases are not required, a suggested donation of $3 per person is welcome at the door to benefit the Logan High School Drama Department.

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