- Michael: My name is Michael Rick
and I go to Janesville Parker High School.
- Michael Rick is passionate about the theater.
[audience claps along to the music and cheers]
- Michael: My best memories in high school
totally revolve around theater.
Whether that was rehearsing or performing,
it was the reason that I went to that high school
in the first place.
I wasn't supposed to go there,
but I school-choiced there for their theater program.
And it's my favorite thing.
- ♪ Come, get together ♪
♪ Let the dance floor feel your leather ♪
♪ Look at me ♪
♪ You see this face ♪
♪ In terms of beauty I'm a basket case ♪
♪ No one hits like Gaston ♪
- This year, Michael's talent and dedication
earned him a role that was a unique opportunity
for a high school student.
- Michael: The first high school in the nation
to put on Chaplin: the Musical.
I have a little painting that someone did for me back there.
I got to play Charlie Chaplin.
♪ I've never known a morning ♪
♪ I haven't felt alone ♪
Michael: Unfortunately, our show got cut off by a weekend
because of COVID-19.
So, we did get to perform three shows,
but not the full six.
♪ [playful Chaplin comedy background music] ♪
- Though this year's performance run was cut short.
Michael is still looking forward
to continuing his passion in the future.
♪ ♪
- Michael: I'm planning on attending either
Oklahoma City University or Syracuse University
for a BFA in musical theater.
And I'm hoping to, one day,
do this professionally.
I'm excited.
I'm nervous, but that's what I'm looking forward to.