For many performing artists at Christ Church, the beginning of spring marks a time to best showcase their talent, dedication and hard work. The annual Upper School Spring Musical is an event that is anticipated each year by students, parents, teachers and performers alike. At the end of first semester this school year, Mr. Halvorson announced to the student body that this year’s performance would be a musical entitled Once Upon A Mattress.

While a new face at Christ Church, Mr. Halvorson is in no way new to directing. He has been directing musicals for over ten years with performances ranging from Always Patsy Cline at the Greenville Little Theatre to Chicago at the Spartanburg Little Theatre.

Once Upon A Mattress is the perfect musical to appeal to the entire Christ Church community. The story is a charming classic that evokes both laughter and sentiment. Halvorson said the show is “pure fun from beginning to end with a pinch of heart.”

The musical’s cast was comprised of a plethora of Upper School students. A few notable lead roles were played by senior Marissa McGrady, sophomore Emma McGuire, juniors Coal Halverson, Emily Thomas and Kevin Connaughton.

Shortly before opening night, travesty struck backstage. An overwhelming number of the talented actors began to display symptoms of the flu. However, the show had to go on! The students powered through the epidemic and were able to perform exceedingly well on the set dates. However, two actors fell victim to the flu on show days. Coal Halverson was unable to perform in the last two performances; Mr. Halvorson filled the role and read off a script. Junior Margaret Kirby’s role was filled by the musical’s choreographer for all three shows. Despite the slight setback, the message and overall splendor of the play was not compromised.

Opening night for the 2017 spring musical was last Friday, February 10. There were performances the following night and on Sunday afternoon. Senior Radford Swent attended the Sunday matinee performance and said the show was “extremely entertaining and displayed each student’s performing talent or potential.”

Once Upon A Mattress certainly lived up to the high standards of preceding spring musicals at CCES. Students can be assured that Mr. Halvorson will continue to direct successful performances during his time at Christ Church.