By Michela Soares 
On November 22 and 23, the York Suburban Middle school put on their production of “Dear Edwina Jr.!” After the school’s last musical, “The Little Mermaid Jr.” during the 2021-2022 school year, students have been anxiously waiting for another production. Directed by Ms. Andrea Unger and Miss. Hannah Kuhn, the production featured 36 students on stage between 6th-8th grade, and many more backstage helping run crew, lighting, props, and costumes. This show features a young girl, Edwina, played by Maya Rolle, who gives her family and friends advice through 24 musical numbers.
The synopsis of the show can be seen below (spoilers ahead).
“Thirteen-year-old Edwina Spoonapple has very talented siblings. But because of this, she thinks that she isn’t special or talented. Yet Edwina has many talents including leadership, singing and advising, and she combines all of them by directing a weekly mini-musical out of her garage. The topic of these musicals is letters written to her by neighborhood kids who need advice. She gives them advice through songs and dances that she orchestrates with her friends. One of the main themes of Dear Edwina is Edwina’s desire to be in the “Advice-a-palooza” festival because she feels it will prove that she is as talented as her siblings. This is all going on while Edwina’s love interest, Scott, is trying to win her over. But, since Edwina is so concerned about her show, she doesn’t care about Scott. Scott wins her heart by singing her a seductive love ballad as an impromptu performance on the show. The talent scout calls, and asks for Scott to perform at the festival, not Edwina. She is heartbroken when she runs into Katie Spoonapple, who has just run away from the Summer Math Olympics because she was getting made fun of by the other girls. She tells Katie not to listen to those kids, and to do what you love to do. Katie hugs her, and Edwina realizes that love is far more important than getting a prize.” – Wikipedia
The cast worked extremely hard to put together this amazing production. Watching the future stars of YSSD was truly a wonderful thing to see. For most, it was their first chance to perform a musical on a stage. Many of the kids played multiple roles, with only a few playing only one character. This is a big step for many, as not only were they memorizing lines and songs, they were memorizing lines and songs for multiple characters.
This show would not have been possible without the help of the admin, teachers, parents, and adults that worked endlessly with the kids to put on a magnificent production.
Great job everyone! This show was truly amazing. Watching all the young actors flourish and find their voice on stage is always a heart-warming experience.