This past month Director of Performing Arts Julie Parrish, took over the stage and performed in ‘Beautiful: the Carole King Musical’ in one of the leading roles in the show.

Mrs. Parrish came across this opportunity through a friend who suggested that she would be good for this musical. Over the summer, she went out for auditions, trying out for the roles of Carole King and Cynthia Weil.

After she was cast in the Carole King role, rehearsals started at the end of July for about three days a week all the way up to the Sunday before opening when Tech Week took place.

The production was done at Tidewater Players in Havre de Grace. There were seven shows in total from September 22 through October 1.

This was not Mrs. Parrish’s first time performing, and won’t be her last time, either. She has done many things similar to this in the past and has a degree in musical theater performance from Elon University.

“Theater performance was my first love,” Mrs. Parrish said and also explained how she has a strong musical background that has helped her get where she is today. Everything that she has been a part of has only made her love grow.

Through this experience, she had to overcome some difficulties. The biggest challenge that she faced was that the week before tech week, she got sick and lost her voice. Luckily, she was able to overcome this before show performances.

This experience helped her grow as not only a performer but also as a person. She was able to connect with castmates and share their experiences with each other.

She also took the time to learn the historical factor behind the musical and the achievements that Carole King received. Mrs. Parrish describes her as “a living legend.”

“It was an overall amazing experience that I am so grateful for,” Mrs. Parrish said.  She added that she was able to experience something not many people have and had an amazing time throughout the entire experience.

Mrs. Parrish has two favorite parts of this production. One is the bond and friendships she made with the cast. Another part that she enjoyed a lot was singing the finale number “Beautiful.”