Seton School’s spring musical, “White Christmas,” will have a new director, but continue long-term traditions. Mary Kate Vander Woude (Seton class of 2007) steps into the director’s shoes, replacing her aunt, Maryan Vander Woude, who directed musicals 1994-2001 and 2018-2023.
Vander Woude was assistant director last year for “My Fair Lady” and praises her aunt for “the time, dedication, joy, creativity and hard work that she has poured into these shows to make the Seton musical tradition what it is.”
The number one tradition that continues this year is that each student who auditions will be in the cast and given a moment to shine on stage. Vander Woude’s first challenge was providing those moments for the record number of students trying out — 180, almost half the student body.
“Although some may see this size as a challenge, I see it as an enormous pool of talent,” said Vander Woude. She said the reason so many students “want to be a part of the production speaks to the tradition of the musical but also to what a memorable experience it is for the students so that they invite their friends to be in the show with them. It’s also a joy to see the shy seventh grade girl become friends with the senior girl because they are in a scene together. Or to watch the star athletes bond with the robotics champions.”
The main reason Vander Woude chose “White Christmas” was because of the large number of chorus scenes to ensure every student is in the first and second act of the show. She managed this challenge with “spreadsheets and google docs, remaking simple scenes into bigger chorus numbers, getting creative with different scenes, and double- and triple-checking every student’s name,” she said. The show also provides many leads and supporting parts, along with more solos and duets, thus giving more students the chance to be in the spotlight.
Another important tradition is the large number of parents and alumni who volunteer countless hours to sew costumes, build stage extensions, glue props, hang lights, and much more, to make the musical a success. Some parents return even after their last child has graduated because they want to be part of the musical experience and give their time.
The musical performances usually take place at the end of Easter Week and the following weekend, so the Sunday matinee is on Divine Mercy Sunday. The cast and crew of White Christmas will continue the tradition of praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet in the Seton chapel before each evening performance, and then the cast will lead the chaplet in the John Paul II Center before the matinee, inviting the audience to pray with them.
When the 180 cast members are joined by the lights, sound and stage crews during tech week, along with all the other student volunteers involved, close to two-thirds of the student body will have been involved in what promises to be a memorable performance of “White Christmas.”
Find out more
“White Christmas” will be performed at Seton School, 9314 Maple St., Manassas, April 5, 6, 12 and 13, 7 p.m.; April 7, 3 p.m. Buy tickets, setonmusical.com.
