South Brings "One Day More" Rehearsal To Life
At Westerville South, A New Generation Of Performers Catches Fire
It’s Thursday afternoon at Westerville South High School, the auditorium lies mostly dark, its hundreds of empty seats waiting patiently for opening night in October. But on the stage and in the first few rows, a transformative exchange is taking place. A team of seasoned Westerville theatre professionals shares a lifetime of knowledge with a group of students who are not merely learning lines; they are passionately constructing something ambitious and new.
This is a rehearsal for "Les Misérables," and tonight’s focus is on staging "One Day More," the thunderous and intricate anthem that closes the first act. At the heart of it all is Director Matt Wolfe, whose quiet intensity commands the space. Recently honored as the 2023 Stephen Schwartz Musical Theatre Teacher of the Year, Wolfe moves with a purposeful energy that inspires and instructs.
One moment, he conducts, arms outstretched, shaping the emotional arc of the song. Wolfe urges the cast to tap into the sense that they are the privileged members of French society, and now they are placing themselves at the barricade, with the outcome yet to be determined. An outcome that might lead to their death.
Next, he engages closely with a student, his expressive hands carving the air to illustrate a character’s motivation. With a background in Broadway productions like Disney's The Little Mermaid and Disney's Tarzan, both for Westerville Civic Theatre, Wolfe brings world-class expertise to this high school stage, and his students lean in, absorbing every word. Other musicals he directed for Westerville Civic Theater include The Wizard of Oz, The Music Man, Seussical, Annie, and Chicago.
Flanking him are Choreographer Cindy Straub and Assistant Choreographer Emily Lawless, translating narrative into movement. Straub, a dance educator for over 40 years, serves as an adjunct faculty member at Otterbein University. With an impressive 75 musicals on her resume and performances alongside legends like Tommy Tune and Betty White, she watches the stage with hawk-like attention. Her posture radiates focus as she delivers precise instructions, prompting students to respond with expressions of concentration and burgeoning understanding.
Working alongside her is Lawless, a lifelong performer who once trained under Straub and Wolfe. Now, she guides the new generation, demonstrating movements and offering individualized encouragement. Their collaboration carries a palpable sense of legacy, with lessons learned and shared thoughtfully.
And the students? This isn’t merely an after-school activity; for them, it's a chance to achieve something significant. They are tackling one of the most beloved and challenging musicals in the canon. A story of revolution, redemption, and sacrifice. On the multi-level set, they are no longer just high schoolers; they are revolutionaries on the barricades of 19th-century Paris, deeply aware of their roles. They listen with almost reverent attention, their eyes fixed on their directors. When feedback is given, they don’t only comply; they strive to grasp the "why" behind it. They are eager to learn, to push beyond their limits, and to create a performance that resonates.
In the focused quiet of the auditorium, punctuated by Wolfe’s direction and the soaring notes of the score, something more than a play is being constructed. A torch is being passed. The dedication of these professionals aligns with the eagerness of their students, creating a space where passion is contagious and excellence is the ultimate goal. Come October, when the lights rise on "Les Misérables," the audience will witness a spectacular show. Yet, those present at this Thursday night rehearsal will know they also witnessed the heart of theatre education beating strong.
Editor’s Note: Updated to clarify Wolfe’s previous director duties and to include that Lawless was also Wolfe’s student.
The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.
Explore more hyper-local reporting by subscribing to The Hilliard Beacon, Civic Capacity, Marysville Matters, The Ohio Roundtable, Shelby News Reporter, This Week in Toledo, and Into the Morning by Krista Steele.
