Cast searches for heir of Hareford Singing, British accents, tap dancing and many costume changes were among the highlights ofthe 1996 Homecomingmusical, "Me and My Girl," by L. Arthur Rose and Douglas Furber. One ofthe many activities that kept guests and students entertainedduringHomecoming weekend, October24-26, "MeandMyGirl"was different in style from the musicals that have been performed in recent years. "We realized that we have had a lot of dark, serious and dramaticmusicalsanditwastimeforachange. So,wedecidedonalighter,morecomedicmusical and the audience seemedtoreallyappreciate it," producer Cindee Stockstill said. The light-spirited story revolves around the inheritance of the title and fortune of the Earl of Hareford. The surviving duchess searches for a legitimate successor who is the rightful heir and finds one in Cockney "cut-up" Bill Snibson, played by freshman Tim Pell. He is preyed upon by gold digger J aquie, played by senior Eve Clevenger. Bill's low-class fiancee, Sally, played by senior Angela Sholl, is told that Bill can never gain the inheritance if he marries her. Add audience participation, "The Lambeth Walk," tap dancing servants and butlers in tutus, and the musical left the audience laughing and on its feet. "I was very pleased with the cast. They are a talented group that has an exceptional attitude and work ethic. It made the entire process a joy," director Robin Miller said. The leadroles ofBill, Sally, J aquie andGerald werecastinJanuaryofl996inordertogivethem a head starton learningto tap dance.The rest of the cast, totali.T. lg 48 members,were cast the first week of school in August. Two tap numbers in the musical had an ensemble of20. Of those, only two had had any previous experience with tap dancing. The task of teaching all of the novices was left to senior Ellen Jones, who successfully brought together two numbers in four weeks. "The tap dancing was outstanding. I think that it was great that they could all pick it up so fast. All of the tap and dance routines in the musical were very together and looked very professional," senior Debbie Cooper said. Each cast member wore five to seven costumes, many of which they made themselves. "I think that the audience would be even more impressed if they knew how much time and energy the cast invested in this show. They rehearsed about 20-25 hours per week, with an additional three hours of required technical work per week spent building sets and making costumes," Stockstill said. The sets were elaborate and versatile, such as the car that became traveling luggage. Donna Weselius, a 1966 alumna from Birmingham, Ala., praised the work of Morris Ellis, technical director, and his crew, saying, "The sets were incredible!" The orchestrawas made up of35 Harding students under the direction ofDr. Warren Casey. They rehearsed four or five hours a week for six weeks in order to be ready for openingnight. Audiences experienced a show that entertained them with catchy songs, hilarious dialogue anddance routines that showcasedthe students' talents. Young and old left the Benson "doing the Lambeth Walk." - Christina Weber Henry McDaniel, playing the part of Gerald, tells all the towns people that the family solicitor has found the heir. The cast of "Me and My Girl" presented an excellent show. Photo by Aaron Gillihan. Homecoming 25
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