On the evenings of February 18^th to February 21st, families filed into the Rocky Mountain High School auditorium to show support for the cast of Chaplin the Musical. While the show was already outstanding by itself, Rocky did something it’s never done before and featured a live orchestra. The orchestra added a comedic element to the show by it’s perfect timing, highlighting the show’s humor. The performance starred Parker Myler as Chaplin. Alongside Chaplin was Hedda Hopper, a gossip columnist played by Shaelyn Critchfield and Sydney Chaplin, Charlie’s brother played by Andrew Bodily. The entire cast was committed to their characters, taking on accents to fit their roles

Rocky Mountain High School’s talented director Erin Davidson and assistant director Aimie Stauffer produced a show truly worth remembering. The production gave a deep, meaningful, and exciting twist to silent film star Charlie Chaplin’s life. Charlie Chaplin was an English actor, producer, and director in the early 1900’s. He became known as one of the best comic artists of all time, making permanent impressions on the film and acting industry that impacted future generations to come. The production put on by Davidson and Stauffer perfectly highlighted Chaplin’s biggest milestones and adversities, from growing up in London with a mentally ill mother, to finally leaving England and going on to produce, star, and direct for the first time. According to Dark Skies Film writer Evelyn Harper, “While estimating the exact number can be challenging due to varying classifications and lost films, a general consensus places Chaplin’s film count above 80. This includes a significant number of short films, particularly during his early years with Keystone Studios” (Harper). With these extraordinary statistics, Chaplin’s talent did not fall short, making thousands of people laugh around the world.

Rocky’s assistant director, Aimie Stauffer, showed praise for her cast and production team, reiterating that it wouldn’t be possible without them and their hard work. Stauffer stated, “Like, I mean, every year, I never think that they can bring it to a new level or top themselves from the year before. But they always do, and they just, there’s so much excitement and pride that I feel in these kids grow and learn and collaborate, and then put out such an amazing experience.” Stauffer admired how her students worked so well together, and was beyond proud of them for going above and beyond. Thanks to the hard work from both the students and adults working in the performance, Chaplin became a fond experience filled with melodic voices and humorous acts. One of the students that attended the production had nothing but wholesome words.

“I loved the secretary lady; I think her name was Hopper or something? I don’t know, I forget, but she was an amazing actor and once she sang I got chills” Sylvie Clark said, a ninth grader at Rocky Mountain. The striking voices that filled the room made it evident that Chaplin the Musical was more than a production; it was an experience that had been rehearsed tirelessly and performed with emotion. With everyone’s hard work, from the actors to the cast members behind the curtains, Chaplin the Musical was a show to remember for many years to come.