Stuart -- and some Lake Barcroft teens -- prepare to Smile

By Gloria Pearlstein

Barcroft News Staff

 

A half dozen Lake Barcroft residents are among the 30- plus students now rehearsing for Smile, a musical to be presented Feb. 19-22 at JEB Stuart High School. Local performers include Lydia Blackmore, Dearborn Drive; Shelly Davis, Crosswoods Circle; Carolyn Kory, Waterway Drive; Mitch Mellor, Dockser Terrace; Mia Rothenberg, Greentree Drive; Mitch Pourzal of Dockser Terrace, and Kim Slaybecker, Whispering Lane.

Smile, a spoof of beauty pageants, explores the friendships and competition among girls vying for the title of "Young American Miss," as well as the motives and maneuverings of the adults behind the scenes. The play was the basis for a 1975 movie starring Melanie Griffith and Bruce Dern.

Stuart drama teacher Brenda Scott applauds the dedication of the students involved in this year's production. Stuart, one of the smallest and most diverse public high schools in Fairfax Country, historically has had difficulty recruiting enough students to stage a musical production. Last year, the scheduled musical was cancelled because, among other reason, many of the students involved were too busy with other activities to invest the time and energy needed for rehearsals and production.

Mia Rothenberg, who plays pageant contestant Connie Sue, says that preparing for the show has been "a lot of fun, but a lot of work, too." Rehearsals have been held 3-5 days a week for 3 hours after school. Mia has had to find time for the musical and for her swim team, as well as for regular school work.

"We've have a very good response this year," says Scott. She adds, "Last year's cancellation made the kids realize how precious this opportunity is."