SPHS Students Set To Storm The Stage During “Rock ‘N’ Roll Revival XXXVII”

Thirty-seven years running and it just keeps getting better: Severna Park High School’s (SPHS) biggest annual production, “Rock ‘N’ Roll Revival” (RNR), will showcase student talent and wow audiences again this March.

This year’s theme, “Storm the Stage,” has layered meaning. “On the surface, we loved the image of a slightly unhinged rock crowd ready to literally storm the stage — very much a return to RNR’s rock-and-roll roots,” said SPHS Drama Program Director Trevor Greenfield. “On a deeper level, it ties directly into this year’s overarching ‘storm’ concept, where every song connects to weather in some way.”

Greenfield shared that this year’s show may be one of the largest RNRs ever, with more than 120 students participating across all areas from cast to band, tech to build crew, and more.

It may also be one of the most visually impressive shows to date, with more projections, weather effects, advanced lighting cues and immersive lobby and auditorium décor, Greenfield noted.

SPHS senior Brooklyn LaBrier, one of the show’s student directors, shared, “Rock ‘N’ Roll takes a team of artists to pull off. From singing, dancing, choreographing, costumes, makeup, band and tech, everyone is so brilliant in their own department – or multiple departments! Everyone’s dedication to the show is truly what makes the final product so magical.”

Leading up to the show, which is known to sell out year after year, students rehearse for roughly eight weeks followed by intense tech weeks when everything will converge into an impending storm of epic proportions. Casting took place just prior to SPHS’ winter break, and the teams set to work as soon as they returned to school.

“It’s such an important time of the year because no matter what is going on in your life, RNR provides a community of kindness and support. It’s my favorite place to be, with my favorite people. I truly feel like every year it becomes a family,” senior Syrenna McNutt shared. “It’s an honor to be a student director for a show that I’ve been seeing since elementary school, and carrying on the tradition is just so special.”

Greenfield said the RNR team is thrilled to welcome back unified students, or those in SPHS’ Alternate Curriculum Classes, again this year. They will perform in two numbers with the ensemble during the school preview on March 11 and both Saturday matinees.

“These students are an incredible part of our program, and this opportunity exists thanks to the leadership of Thespian (Honor Society) President Sophie Leon and special education teacher Ms. Noelle Cruder, who have helped continue and grow this meaningful collaboration,” Greenfield said.

The director declined to share a forecast of any musical numbers that will be performed.

“Half the fun of RNR is the surprise. That said, if you’re expecting some storm-themed classics, you won’t be totally … thunderstruck,” Greenfield intimated.

Each year, RNR song selection is rather straightforward: Is the song at least 20 years old, does it fit the theme, and does it help strike a balance of decades and sounds? If it fits, it rocks.

Dance will again be a huge part of RNR, with choreographer Emily DeLisle returning, along with a dance team highlighted throughout the show and cast members dancing during many numbers.

Greenfield shared that the production will be brought to life by an incredible creative team consisting of community professionals and SPHS staff including music directors Michelle Bruno, Matthew Dohm and George Evans; Assistant Director Kristin Tufo; Tech Director Alex Moundalexis; Audio/Visual Director Geoff Bernstein; and arranger Liam Cooney.

“I’m directing the show and the band, and could not be more grateful for this team,” Greenfield said, expressing his enthusiasm about the hard-working students as well.

“At the end of the day, I’m just incredibly proud,” he emphasized weeks before opening night. “There’s still a lot of work ahead, but the collaboration, energy and kindness within this group have been amazing to watch. I truly believe this will be an RNR people remember for a long time.”

“Rock ‘N’ Roll Revival XXXVII” performance dates are March 13 at 7:00pm; March 14 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm; March 15 at 2:00pm; March 18 at 7:00pm; and March 21 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm. Tickets are slated to go on sale February 13 and will be available at www.sphsdrama.com.