Set in a world where people can see how you rank in school, high schooler Lilly Larsen finds herself ranking lower than the rest of her peers. The story shows how both sides, higher and lower ranks, live their lives separated from each other.
From February 8th through 10th, “Ranked: the Musical” debuted for all students and families to come and watch. The play was praised by students and staff for the amazing work of both actors and theater technicians who worked on the musical. The three hour play showed the skills and talent of the actors and actresses who worked endless days practicing and perfecting their performances. These actors share their experiences and hard work from the start of the production to the final day.
“When I first heard about this musical, I knew nothing about it.” Says Kiara Cloeh Vadicantos, who was casted as Alexis Larsen, one of the main characters in the musical. “When I was auditioning I said I can be anyone, I could literally be a tree and I wouldn’t care.” Vandicantos laughs, “Then I got to listen to this musical more during the audition process, and I actually fell in love with Alexis. She’s someone I can relate to, especially as an older sister. I’m the eldest amongst all my sisters, so I really wanted to play her, then my dreams came true!” Vadicantos shares, going over the way she connected with her character.
The play being set in high school made it easier for the actors to portray themselves in their characters, yet some of the performers felt otherwise. While an actor who plays a more sympathetic character could feel closer to their character, another performer might feel that they share no similarities towards their given character. Two of the actors who played a part of the main cast share their experiences, explaining how they got into their characters and the struggles they faced.
“Honestly, it was a bit difficult to get into character at first, but then stuff happened and I could feel myself getting a bit closer to the character.” explains Frinnie Bordador, sharing how it was easier for her to relate to her character. Bordador plays one of the lower ranked characters, Jordan Carter. “I started to give my real life experiences so I could really get into the character. I mainly thought about her rage that she feels from how unfair the system is.” Bordador shares, breaking down how long it took her to understand her character.
In contrast, “It was kinda hard to get into character” states, Maddison Snow, the actor playing Sydney Summers, one of the higher ranked characters. She continues, “Honestly it’s hard to make sure that when you’re memorizing your lines you’re not just reciting things, you have to put motion into it and sometimes it’s hard to really be mentally present. You want to practice it, but don’t practice enough where it becomes robotic” Snow expresses.
Throughout all the struggles the cast went through, the actors had shared that they were glad to have even been a part of the production. The performers share that they were glad to have met the other actors and spend their time together, being happy that it lasted, and finally feeling relieved that the production was over after the long days of hard work.
“Being able to be a part of this production is just so therapeutic for me because I love doing this stuff, I love being on stage.” States Sam Murray, one of the actors who played two characters in the production.
“Doing these kinds of things can be super frustrating and stressful at times, but the end result is always worth it. Next thing you know it’s all over, you always miss the chances you never take and typically those are the biggest regrets. Know that you can do whatever you put your mind and heart to!” Vadicantos concludes.
