SHAWANO, WI- Action returns to the Shawano High School Auditorium starting Thursday night as the annual Spring play kicks off three straight nights of performances.

“What I Want To Say But Never Will” comes to the stage. The show is directed by Madeline Stuewer.

“It is a collection of monologues, short essays, and some dialogue that was submitted by students after an English teacher asked a question What would you like to say to someone but know you never will.”

Stuewer says just like the musical, the cast is masked and safety precautions are also in place for the audience.

“We have it set up where people are distanced from each other and we are requiring masks, but people are able to come and we are very excited about that.”

Stuewer says by now, the students are used to working with masks on, but as a school function should, it offered an educational opportunity.

“It did give the students an opportunity to work on conveying emotions without people being able to see their mouth,” Stuewer said. “It was cool seeing them use their acting skills to a higher degree than in the past.”

The cast and crew consist of 20 people with 13 in the cast.

“The majority of the show is one or two people on the stage at a time and that is one of the reasons why I chose this show is that it allowed us to have smaller rehearsals and keep social distance on stage.”

With the musical being done by live stream earlier this year, having a live audience is a big win.

“Seeing a live show again is going to be very exciting.”

Stuewer says the show itself is entertaining and in some ways, educational.

“I believe that this show has a lot to say about real emotions and real struggles that teenagers and adults go through,” Stuewer said. “There are some real heavy issues that are brought to light and I think the students have done a really good job with that.”

Stuewer says just getting the show off without a hitch is an accomplishment after the whole show was canceled last year when COVID-19 hit. Shawano School was canceled just a short time before opening night. Also, three years ago, the famous April snowstorm caused the Spring play cast to lose a show.

Tickets for the shows are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 dollars for students.

Listen to Director Madeline Stuewer talk about this year’s Spring Play