Sophomore Remi Cannon takes a break to gather her thoughts about what she enjoys most about the upper school musical. Cannon was part of the ensemble and said she was excited to participate in the musical, as it marked the first production back on campus with an in-person cast. Since she started Archer in sixth grade, she said she looks forward to be part of the musical productions. “The musical is just so supportive and fun, and I look forward to it every day,” Cannon said. “It’s just so amazing to do theater again after a year-and-a-half inside.”

Sophomores Anaiya Asomugha, Marin Terry and Amelia Lewinson hug after a preview of the upper school musical. Asomugha, who played Darlene Love, has been a part of Archer’s musical program since last year. This was her first in-person musical, as the previous show was entirely virtual. Darlene Love is a main character in the musical, and Asomugha said that this was the first time she could truly sing her heart out. She loved the costumes and makeup, as well as the connection between the musical’s cast. “Of course I felt jitters because we haven’t done this kind of thing for everyone [in a while], but I also am really happy because no one has seen live musical in forever,” Asomugha said. “Being in someone else’s shoes and getting to be them is truly an amazing experience, and it makes you see the world in a different way.”

The cast performs a song “River Deep Mountain High” for the upper school. Senior Glory Chase played the character Jeff Barry in the musical. Chase said she was eager to be back in-person for this year’s musical, and she never doubted for a second that she would participate because it meant so much to her. “I felt great going on stage, and I was a little nervous but mostly excited — it was a really great time, and I love having an audience,” Chase said. “One of the most integral parts of the show is seeing it come together and having an audience for the first time.”

Junior Isabelle Verdery sings and dances to the musical number “I Wanna Love Him So Bad” at the preview of the upper school musical. Verdery has been a part of Archer’s musical productions since she first came to Archer in seventh grade. Prior to COVID-19, all musical productions had been held in the Blackbox Theatre; however, this year, performances took place outside in the amphitheater due to updated regulations. “Performing in front of everyone today was a shock because I got really used to doing musicals on Zoom last year,” Verdery said. “To be in the amphitheater was also a big change, but I think it works really well for this show specifically.”

The cast of the upper school musical performs in front of the upper school on Monday, Nov. 8. The cast performed “‘I Wanna Love Him So Bad,” “Do Wah Diddy” and “River Deep Mountain High.” “I know I speak for everyone when I say this is the closest we’ve ever felt as a cast,” Asomugha said. “There was something truly special about Leader of the Pack that makes this production, and more importantly this cast, unforgettable.”