The spring musical has become a sign of the end of the WBHS Dramatic Arts season after last year’s “Guys and Dolls” production. It brought back so many memories of working for an entire semester on our final show. This Saturday night was bittersweet. I attended my high school’s musical production of “Anything Goes” and while it was beautifully done, the night was filled with final goodbyes and new beginnings.
I was there for “Guys and Dolls” as the assistant director so I got a first hand look on the school’s first musical in 10 years. But the second musical was in a completely different ball game. More set and costume changes plus two full company dances and more technical tap dancing choreography. I was speechless. The show was incredible and I am so proud of all the students (many of whom are still my friends) and I wished I could have been a part of it all again. Mrs. Patisaul and Mrs. Cox truly did a fantastic job with this show and I know they are extremely proud.
Winder-Barrow’s drama teacher Sherelle Patisaul gave her last curtain speech as the drama department’s leader as she is moving to Texas later this year. In her three years here at WBHS, she has reformed the drama club and increased student participation, she has revived the musical theater class after a 10 year hiatus, and she has encouraged countless students to break out of their comfort zones and go for their dreams.I’m not going to lie, as a former student, I can honestly say Ms. Patty (as her students call her) has been a wonderful addition to the WBHS drama department and she will be greatly missed. She is always so full of energy and inspiration and comes ready to produce great shows every year.
We talked after the show and she told me how all she thought about for the past three months was “Anything Goes.” The music, the blocking, the costumes, all of it never left her mind. After seeing the entire show come together, I could obviously see how proud she was of all of her students.
The love she has for the dramatic arts and all of her students doesn’t go unnoticed. Her students love her in return and the audiences always enjoy seeing the shows. She makes learning about the theatre fun with real-life situations like putting on the musical. She always strives to encourage her students to do their best, and I still admire her optimism.
I remember my senior year she gave us some good advice. During “The Murderous Mansion of Mr. Uno” I was supposed to find Mr. Uno dead in a chair, jump back and scream. Well I did… a little too much and bumped the table where grape juice went flying all over the table and stage. I was mortified at the blunder, but back stage Ms. Patty told me the best thing to do is to forgive yourself and move on. And boy, have I used that a lot in the past two years.
Mrs. Patisaul, you have been a wonderful drama teacher and your "Drama Llamas" love you and will miss you greatly. We will never forget what you have done for the WBHS program and all the fun you have brought to us. Thank you for your passion and dedication to all of us. I know you will continue to inspire your students where ever life takes you.
Jessica Brown is the staff photographer for the Barrow Journal. You can reach her at jessica@barrowjournal.com.
