CHS Drama Department and FFA Partner for Production and Carnival

In the spring of 2019, an idea sparked in the head of Stephanie Felmet, one of Catoctin High School’s theater directors. She immediately sought out Amy Poffenberger, the Catoctin FFA advisor, about a collaborative effort between the drama department and the FFA. Unfortunately for all involved, two short weeks before the culmination of the efforts were to debut, COVID-19 hit and all was canceled.

Now, years later, they’re trying again. The drama department will perform State Fair, a Rogers and Hammerstein musical, while the FFA will host a carnival preceding the show.

State Fair is about an Iowan farming family, the Frakes, who travel to the 1946 Iowa State Fair to have the father’s hog and the mother’s pickles and mincemeat judged. The journey the two Frake children take is one of self-discovery and growing up. They both have safe lives planned for them at home, but chance encounters at the fair make them question what they really want to achieve and accomplish. Can they be happy back on the farm, or are they yearning for something more?

State Fair, which features seniors Skyler Payne, Caleigh Sare, Raphaela Smaldone, and Justin Clair, and juniors Emily Burrier and Richie Coursey, was chosen as the show for a number of reasons. First, the rural setting was a wonderful match for the Thurmont area, with so many residents involved in and dedicated to agricultural pursuits. Second, it allowed for a perfect collaboration with the Catoctin FFA since any state or county fair would involve the work of students like Catoctin’s own. Lastly, director Evan Felmet starred in this show his senior year of high school, and it holds a special place in his heart.

Each showing of the spring musical, State Fair, will be preceded by a fun family carnival, with a petting zoo, flush tank, games, a bake sale, and more! Several FFA students will also be providing animals to participate in the musical itself. The carnival functions as a fundraiser for the drama department and the FFA, providing opportunities for both organizations to gain funding for their various endeavors.

Come see State Fair and the carnival on April 8-9 at Catoctin High School. The first opportunity will be April 8, with the carnival from 5:00-6:30 p.m., followed by the show at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, April 9, will have its first carnival from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., with a 1:00 p.m. show to follow; and the second carnival will run from 5:00-6:30 p.m., with the last show at 7:00 p.m. As they say in the show, “Don’t miss it! Don’t even be late!”

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