NAHS students cast in professional production

Photo credited to Dion Jackson, NAHS senior.

Two students from Norristown Area High School (NAHS) are cast in a professional production of A Christmas Carol at People’s Light in Malvern, PA. Students Rafael A. and Jetta R. are so excited and grateful for this opportunity.

Rafael is a junior at NAHS. He comes from a family of musicians and grew up surrounded by music. He enjoys writing his own music and singing various genres. Rafael is part of the Ivy Cast, playing the roles of Peter Cratchit and Teenage Scrooge. Peter is the son of Bob and Emily Cratchit, and the older brother of Tiny Tim. Teenage Scrooge is seen when Scrooge is transported back in time with the Ghost of Christmas Past. Rafael described Peter as “bold and somewhat hot-headed.” Rafael began performing in fifth grade. He loves being on stage with his friends and has also enjoyed productions outside of Norristown, especially Singin’ in the Rain at Montgomery Theater in Souderton, PA. Rafael said his favorite part about performing is “having an excuse to sing and dance” and do what he loves.

Jetta is a senior at NAHS with a lifelong love for music. She actively looks for ways to incorporate it into her everyday life. In addition to singing, she plays the horn and cello. Jetta is also part of the Ivy Cast, playing Lucinda, the daughter of Bob and Emily Cratchit, and the older sister of Tiny Tim. Jetta described Lucinda as “sarcastic and not shy.” She has been performing since she was seven years old. She feels at home on stage, especially at Theatre Horizon here in Norristown. Jetta’s favorite part about performing is “that feeling of nervousness but knowing you’re going to [shine on stage] every time.”

Rafael and Jetta shared that the audition process consisted of performing a monologue of their choice and a short song from the play. After receiving a callback audition, they also had to perform a folk song of their choice. This is their first time performing with People’s Light, and they are excited to see the final production come together.