Between the Lines comes to Plainfield South’s auditorium April 11 through April 13. The musical follows Delialah McPhee, played by junior Mila Aloisio, who comes to a new town and school and seeks comfort in the pages of her favorite books. Under the guidance of Stage Director Chistopher Hueg and Assistant director Jessica Carey, the cast and crew are ready to perform a musical, showcasing the complex struggles in growing up through deep and compelling characters.
“This musical is full of some many great characters that embody what so many go through each day trying to find their place in the world. I have so enjoyed reconnecting with my high school self who also struggled to find my true identity and be comfortable in who I am today! I also love the ability to build and create a world that is always larger than life — I am thankful for an amazing production team that helps reality come to life,” said Hueg.
Natalie Keene plays Delialah’s mother Grace McPhee who’s recently currently going through a divorce and gripping with the fact that hee, cheating, neglectful Ex-Husband has not been paying the bills. Keene gets to play this emotional character as she finds out what’s more important, financially supporting her daughter or being there for her.
“To practice this part there is a lot of emotional and character work. Before I start singing one of Grace’s solo songs I start to tear up, but I have to learn how to reel in those emotions just enough to perform the song,” said Keene.
The Stage Manager, Flynn Diez, helps Hueg take care of the crew and actors. Diez sets up props and set pieces and as well as making sure the actors know their lines during run-throughs. Diez has been in musical theater for eight years and loves being able to help crew members use tools in the shop to create sets. One of Diez favorite shows was 2023’s musical Matilda and Between the lines.
“So far, this musical is in the running for my favorite one I’ve put on. if the set is as good as Matilda, then it’ll be my new favorite. it’s got lots of interesting jokes, to say the least. The songs are both funny and impactful, such as ‘happily ever after hour’ or the jokes, and every song with the main character’s mother for the emotion,” said Diez.
Tickets for Between the Lines cost $10 for the general public and 5 dollars Plainfield South students with a valid student I.D. It has two shows: Saturday performances are at 7:00 p.m., with the Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m.
“Please come out and support these students! They have worked very hard on something that we are so proud of and you don’t want to miss out on the chance to say you saw Between the Lines this spring,” said Hueg.
