A mysterious gospel chorus dances energetically and sings harmonious, flamboyant verses as they accompany a special guest: Elton John. These singers are Pinewood Performing Arts students, performing “Goodbye, Amélie,” one of their favorite numbers from the upcoming spring musical “Amélie.” 

   Although the spontaneous visit from Elton John is a highlight, the primary focus of the musical is a French woman named Amélie. Based off of the famous 2001 film, the story follows her life from childhood to adulthood, specifically zooming in on the development of her familial and romantic relationships. The show’s charm comes from its many eccentric elements, such as talking goldfish, daydreams of train accidents, and traveling gnomes.

   The cast of “Amélie” has come to really enjoy the unconventional moments in the show. For example, director Katie Linza and sophomore Lola Hannelly, who plays the role of Amélie, agree that the way Amélie and Nino, the two main characters, meet is very unique. Amelie trips over Nino’s shoe at the train station, and they share an awkward, rapid-fire interaction: Amelie is very acutely aware of her social surroundings, and Nino is obsessive over a photo of his that gets stolen. Yet, it is evident that the two characters already have chemistry that will flourish throughout the show. 

   Scenes like these have given the cast opportunities to experiment with different acting styles.

   “Amélie’s emotions are quite reserved, so I’ve had to work on taming my emotions and finding other ways to express [them],” Hannelly said. 

   “Amélie” has also brought the opportunity for people new to PPA high-level productions to shine. Eighth-grader Naomi Borau was asked by Linza to play the role of young Amélie after other auditioners didn’t quite fit the youthful energy of the character. Being a hobbyist-singer and theater fan, Borau has found herself enjoying the experience. 

  “I really like that I’ve gotten to know [the] high schoolers a lot better, and it’s really fun to act with different people that I’m not used to talking to every day,” Borau said.

   Students on the other end of their high school journey are also exploring Pinewood Performing Arts through acting in “Amélie.”

   “We have several seniors who have never done theater before who have come out, and I think they’re having a really good time,” Linza said. 

   Senior Jerry Yan had no theater experience before senior Addison Parenti encouraged him to audition. He said he has learned a lot in the first two months of rehearsal that helps him to act his character, Nino, to the best of his ability. 

   “This is my first time [doing theater],” Yan said. “Enough guys weren’t auditioning, so I was like, okay, sure. It’s so fun. I’m so glad I did it, and I’m kind of sad I didn’t do any [theater] before.”

   Throughout the process of learning music and staging scenes, students have enjoyed forming new friendships. Despite the fast-moving environment, they feel that the pressure-free, close-knit community makes participating in the musical very fun and special. 

   “I hold this part of Pinewood in a very special place in my heart,” Hannelly said. “It’s like a little family.”

   “Amélie” will be performed April 23-25 and April 30-May 2.