Making memories on stage

VERNON, N.J. — Whenever a dedicated group of young men and women who love the theater gets together, it's a sure bet that good things will happen. And in the case of the Highland Stage Youth Troupe, good things have indeed been happening lately.

In front of a crowd of 135, "Oklahoma!" soared to grand heights on Saturday night at Vernon High School as the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical delighted yet another audience since it was first performed in 1943. And the fun evident on the faces of the actors involved — not to mention the hard work from everyone in the company — was more than worth the price of admission for theater-lovers.

For the young performers who voluntarily gave up a big chunk of their summer vacations, the memories involved can last a lifetime.

Making memories "I love doing summer shows because it's a lot easier and I'm giving up my free time to do something I love," said Kayla Jardine of Warwick, who portrays Laurey, the girl who in the end gets to marry the man of her dreams, Curly.

Speaking of lifetime memories, it's hard to beat director Heather Burns of Vernon, N.J., who gave birth to twins just 11 weeks ago. She confessed to being a little tired but no less enthusiastic for this production than any of the others she's nurtured in past seasons.

"This is probably a younger cast than I'm used to, but I would say this is probably the most dedicated cast I've worked with," Burns said. "Because they're so dedicated, things came together very quickly, and it's a fun thing to do. The big thing I like is that we have different kids from many different schools, and this show has made friends all across the county.

"To me, that's what it's all about," Burns added. "It's about a place to come together and do what they love to do."

Many hands help make a show Local choreographer Renee Ziegler of Ziegler Dance Center in McAfee added her touch to the production. Cast members came from all over the area, including the following Vernon residents: Kyle Pitts as Curly, Matt Chastain as Will Parker, Vicki Ross as poor Ado Annie, who just "cain't say no," and Megan Logue, who portrays the sleeping Laurey's ballet dream character — along with Wantage residents Viktoria-Leigh Wagner as Aunt Eller and Marty Novak as Andrew Carney; and Josh Ernst of Frankford, N.J., and others. The show is supported by a 25-piece orchestra consisting of mostly local teens, directed by Jon Hartledge.

Still time to catch it The show, which began last weekend, will continue with Friday, Aug. 10, at 8 p.m., and then a concluding twin-bill effort on Saturday, Aug. 11, at 2 and 8 p.m.

Soon after that, of course, even before the summer officially ends, the students will pack up their things and go back to college and high school.

Even with so many other things on their plates, it isn't hard to see why these busy youngsters were willing to devote so much time to the show in just a matter of weeks, some working paying jobs by day and performing at night. It's clear on the beaming, joyous faces of the ensemble in general and the performers in particular after the show. They love it.

"The motivation is the audience, the cheering and to have people smile and enjoy what you're doing," explained Marty Novak. He plays Andrew Carney, who is both Ado Annie's father and the circuit judge who flatly declares Curly not guilty after the show's villian, Jud Frye (played by Josh Ernst) is killed by the former.

"It was so much fun," said Megan Logue. "It was so exciting."

And then again, to some, it's even more than that.

"I really do enjoy this," said Viktoria-Leigh Wagner, the 17-year-old who plays the wise, elder character of Aunt Eller. "I feel like I'm at home. I've always said that if I was to die, it'll be on stage because that's where I really live."