ALUMNUS BRINGS READING OF ORIGINAL MUSICAL TO THE CWC STAGE

While this musical is like a memoir for Fehring, writing the script has had its challenges.

“The hardest part has been trying to string these stories and snippets of dialogue into a cohesive story that conveys the truth of the situation while allowing the theatrical moments to shine through,” he said. “It’s been a challenge, but the process has proven to be enjoyable.”

Fehring has partnered with the Central Wyoming College music department to continue the development of the “Retail Song Cycle.” Fehring graduated from CWC as a triple threat with degrees in music, theater, and technical theater. CWC helped him define his career and Fehring said he feels it’s important to bring his work home.

“Sharon Dalton, Robert Hussa, and Kelly Dehnert were all instrumental in my development as an artist and a person,” Fehring said. “They taught me so much about the importance of the craft of music, professionalism and music theory. They gave me opportunities that challenged and inspired me. It’s the greatest thing in the world when your mentors become your peers. I deeply respect their musicianship and artistry and it is incredible to collaborate with them.”

Instructor of music, Dalton, and former professor of vocal music, Hussa are performing in and directing the orchestra for the reading.

“Cam is one of my all-time favorite students and friend. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the performance of his amazing work,” Dalton said. “Cam has used his talents and education to pursue his dream and worked hard to do so. He is an inspiration. He has also assembled an extremely talented and fun cast and orchestra, which makes rehearsals a pleasure. I am so proud of Cam.”

The orchestra consists of local musicians Aaron Baldes, guitar; Mary Lea Wolfe, bass guitar and Michael Shelley, percussion and drums.

Fehring also enlisted the help of Lily Draper to direct the reading. Draper is a CWC theater alumna whose work has been seen with the Riverton High School drama program, the Riverton Library Enchanted Entertainers and Communal Pancake Performing Arts. While this is not Draper’s first time directing a show, it will be the first time she has directed a reading.

“It’s intimidating because I’ve never done anything like this before,” Draper said. “A reading is completely different than a published play. We’re workshopping and developing the script and score while we rehearse.”

Nevertheless, Draper said she genuinely loves this musical and the story it’s telling.

“It’s just a quality piece and the longer I spend with it, the more I appreciate the score and the script,” Draper said.

Draper will also be performing as part of the cast alongside Molly Thornton, Amara Fehring, Sterling Hall, Jason Campbell, Katie Jevne, Marissa Selvig, Kelly Cutler, Ed Novotny, Ryan Jevne, Elizabeth Smith and Clarissa Wykestra.

“I’m amazed by the talent the show has brought together and it’s an honor to work with this group,” Draper said. “Actually, everyone is so good at what they do that it makes my job easy.”

Clarissa Wykstra, a current CWC theater student, said she has enjoyed how the process of the reading is different from other rehearsals she’s been a part of.  

“Normally I’m focused on memorization but this time I’m more focused on how to portray a character with my voice,” Wykstra said. “It’s been quite an interesting experience.”

After this reading, Fehring plans to continue to develop “The Retail Song Cycle” in hopes to get the final script and score ready for a full production that he eventually wants to take back to New York City. In doing so, Fehring hopes that audiences will leave the theater with the perspective that how we treat people has effects on their lives.

“Writing this story has given me, and hopefully the audience, a chance to reflect on our everyday lives and how we treat other people within it,” Fehring said. “What was a moment, probably forgotten by the people I served, has never left my memory and probably never will.  It’s about our power and choices we make with others.”

Tickets for “The Retail Song Cycle” are available at www.retailsongcycle.eventbrite.com.

Contains adult themes and language. For mature audiences only.