Musical ‘Titanic’ Sets Sail at MAHS

Ensemble show makes use of district’s range of talent

By Bonnijean Cooney Adams
The Tube City Almanac
April 01, 2025
Posted in: Entertainment, McKeesport and Region News

Director/choreographer Erin Seaberg, in green shirt at left, gives pointers and makes adjustments during a recent rehearsal for the spring musical at McKeesport Area High School. (Bonnijean Cooney Adams photo for Tube City Almanac)

When the creative staff was considering what show to select for this year’s McKeesport Area High School musical, they agreed on one thing.

“We were looking for an ensemble show,” Producer/Pit Director Sarah Persin said. “We have a lot of talent.”

They decided on “Titanic the Musical,” based on the true story of the RMS Titanic, which sank after hitting an iceberg on its maiden voyage in April 1912. More than 1,000 people died in the disaster. 

Some students said they were surprised when they found out what the musical was going to be. Some had heard of it, while others initially thought it was going to be the Jack-and-Rose story like the 1997 movie.

Celebrating their arrival with songs and dance, key members of the Titanic’s creation team and crew greet passengers. (Bonnijean Cooney Adams photo for Tube City Almanac)

Once everyone knew more about the musical – the ensemble version first was performed in 2012 — they got behind the project and prepared to tackle the challenging vocals, dialogue, and period dances.

“Titanic has a mix of musical styles, from ballads to big ensemble numbers, and it really stretches the vocal range,” Vocal Director Beth Eger said. “There’s a lot of complex choral work and tight harmonies, especially in songs like 'Godspeed Titanic.'

“Getting everyone to coordinate in these moments, with a unified sound and the right blend and dynamics, has been tricky,” Eger added. “But our students have totally risen to the challenge, balancing vocal technique, emotional depth, historical context, and ensemble harmony.”

The first act concentrates on the ship’s launching, and establishes some of the main characters. Many in the cast play multiple roles, especially as circumstances change.

Senior Riley Sheposh portrays Alice Beane, a second-class passenger who is not content with her passage and longs for the splendors offered to those in first class.

“I’ve seen the musical before, years ago, when it came to the Benedum,” Sheposh said, “but I didn’t remember a lot of it. I did audition for Alice. She’s definitely a different person in every scene.”

Alice does manage to finagle her way to first class at some point, for example, much to the dismay of her husband, who is content in second class.

Sheposh said portraying Alice is challenging throughout all the fast-paced dialogue and range of emotions.

“Sometimes she is excited, like when she is in first class, but then she’s mad at her husband,” Sheposh said. “The music is definitely hard. There are many parts that have to go together.”

Cooper Kuchma, on mobile stairs, is among students with dual roles. As pictured, he is Band Leader Hartley Wallace, and plays cello in the orchestra pit. (Bonnijean Cooney Adams photo for Tube City Almanac)

Sheposh agreed with other performers who said they faced additional challenges because they are portraying real people who were on the Titanic, not some fictional characters.

“We’ve got some really talented and dedicated students who’ve loved diving into this material,” Eger said. “From an educational standpoint, it’s been a super rewarding experience.

“The music is tough, but they’ve really nailed it,” she said. “Plus, they’ve put in the effort to research their characters and learn about the Titanic’s history, which has made the whole thing even more meaningful.”

Senior Connor McGrew portrays telegrapher Harold Bride, plus Alice’s husband Edgar Beane.

He said he had to audition a full week early because of a prior commitment, but while preparing came across what turned out to be his favorite song in “Titanic,” which he gets to perform as Bride.

“It’s ‘The Proposal/The Night Was Alive,’ “ McGrew said. “I’m proposing for someone else (stoker Fred Barrett) and sending the telegraph.” Bride manages to get the proposal sent, even though he is overwhelmed by his workload of having to send all the passengers’ personal messages.

McGrew said preparing for his part sometimes was difficult.

“You need to have an accent, some dialect – all prim and proper,” McGrew said.

He also brings his dance experience to the stage, twirling his partner around as Director/Choreographer Erin Seaberg adjusted students’ posture and partnering skills during a recent rehearsal.

“Like this,” she demonstrated. “This isn’t slow dancing at a middle school dance.”

Junior Antoine Smith is tasked with the daunting role of Thomas Andrews, the doomed ship’s designer and builder.

“It’s not only challenging, but fun,” Smith said. “Andrews is mostly happy in the first act. In Act 2, he’s scurrying around, trying to figure out what went wrong (after the Titanic hits the iceberg). He’s in utter disbelief.”

The music also was a challenge, Smith said, noting he usually is a bass 2, but some of the notes he has to hit are in the tenor range.

He said his role is “emotionally taxing – just getting off the stage when you know what’s coming up next.”

“Mr. Andrews’ Vision,” a song featuring his character, is his favorite, Smith said.

“I listened to every song in the musical, and this one has emotion. This one has a feel to it – what could he have done to make it (the ship) better?” Smith reflected.

In “The Blame,” designer Andrews is joined by Captain E.J. Smith, and J. Bruce Ismay, chairman of the White Star Line, all debating who is responsible for the disaster.

“I have to capture this person,” Smith said of the designer. “By the second act he’s thinking, ‘This is my ship. I did everything right!’ He has blueprints all over, and he’s falling over himself. He’s defensive about the work that was done.”

Senior Gianna Sotereanos portrays Kate McGowan, one of three women named Kate who are looking forward to their new lives in America.

“‘The Titanic’ is a really good fit for this cast,” she said. “I think it will really work out pretty well. There are so many talented students.”

To prepare for her role, Sotereanos said she researched to make a backstory for Kate.  “You build up the past and align it to the present, the intentions, feelings,” she said.

“You have to handle it with care,” Sotereanos said. “These were real people. It’s not like the movie.”

She said her favorite part is “Mr. Andrews’ Vision.”

Although the musical is about a tragedy, junior Michael Peffercorn is upbeat about his role as Captain E.J. Smith.

“I had never heard about the musical before, but then I listened to the music and I really, really liked it,” he said.

He said he did not have a particular role in mind when he auditioned, but is happy he was cast as the captain.

Peffercorn said he’s usually pretty confident about himself, “but this is making me more confident the more I act.”

He said he usually sings in a lower range, but is getting more comfortable with a higher one the more he rehearses.

Peffercorn said his favorite parts are either the very end, or the whole scene with “The Blame.”

“For the audience, I’d say just be prepared,” he said. “These are real people who were on the ship and died. It was a horrible, horrible event. Bring a box of tissues.

“I just really, really enjoy performing it,” Peffercorn said. “I love the set so much – it’s big, beautiful and glorious!”

Going into a final week of rehearsals, he said, “I think it’s going great so far, and I’m really excited for this. Seeing everyone grow is such a wonderful experience.”

Junior Lucas Sotereanos is Fred Barrett, one of the men who stokes the boiler to control the speed of the ship.

As lead stoker, his character initially cautions against building up too much speed because it was the maiden voyage.

“For a high school level, this is an incredible undertaking,” Sotereanos said of the musical.

“Barrett’s Song,” where he is featured, was the song chosen for male auditions.

To prepare, Sotereanos said he researched his character. The real Frederick William Barrett was hired for the Titanic on April 6, 1912.

“There is definitely no comic relief (in the second act),” he said. “It’s in your face, and it doesn’t pull punches.”

Junior JJ Wunderley plays a critical role as J. Bruce Ismay.

“I wanted to be a big presence this year,” he said, so was happy as owner/chairman of the ship’s line.

“In the beginning, my attitude was, ‘It’s my ship. Nothing can go wrong,” Wunderley said. “That changes when the iceberg hits.

“I knew it was a musical, and not like the movie,” he added. “My favorite part is the actual performance.”

Senior Devin VanRiper said he watched the Broadway version after finding out “Titanic” was selected.

“That’s when I found out this was not the Jack-and-Rose story,” he said. Throughout his high school years, VanRiper has been involved with the musical either onstage, or behind the scenes on stage crew.

He landed the part of Officer Hitchens, one of the sailors on the ship, and the person who was steering it when the iceberg hit.

His character is based on Robert Hichens, the quartermaster on Titanic.

Among other roles, he’s also a steward in the first act during the launching, greeting and dancing with passengers to welcome them to the ship.

“Every year the musical is completely different,” VanRiper said. “I think the music and dancing this year have been fine. I wasn’t trying out for any role in particular. I’m here to have fun and to be with my friends.”

“The music for this spring musical is incredibly challenging, but it really showcases the talent and dedication of our students,” Persin said.

“What makes this production especially unique is that we're using a strings-only pit, complemented by keyboard and percussion. This choice adds a distinct sound to the show that really enhances the overall experience,” she said.

“I'm especially proud of our pit ensemble this year because it's made up of a very young group of musicians, with the majority of them being only sophomores,” Persin added.

“Their passion and commitment to tackling such a difficult score is truly inspiring, and it's a privilege to work with them as they continue to grow and develop their skills,” she said.

In her dual role as producer, Persin said, “I’m excited to share that this year, we had the honor of working with Mr. John Kiska, a talented set designer who had previously collaborated with us years ago at McKeesport. He came out of retirement to lend his expertise and vision to our production, which has truly made a difference.

“Additionally, we welcomed a new lead for our construction team, Mr. Steve Tomkowitz, a teacher here at the school,” she said. “Together with a dedicated group of volunteers, they’ve worked tirelessly to bring the set to life.

“One of the most exciting features of the set is that you'll actually get to see the ship sink during the performance! It’s been a labor of love, and we’re thrilled to see how everything is coming together,” Persin said.

Bonnijean Cooney Adams is a freelance contributor. She can be reached at adamsclick@aol.com.

Titanic the Musical: Cast and Crew

Male Roles

Antoine Smith as THOMAS ANDREWS - Designer and Builder
Lucas Sotereanos as BARRETT - Stoker / as Guggenheim, 1st Class Passenger / as 3rd Class Passenger (L.M.)
Connor McGrew as BRIDE/EDGAR BEANE - Telegrapher / as John Thayer, 1st Class Passenger / as 3rd Class Passenger (2nd Man in L.M.)
Michael Payne as FLEET/JIM FARRELL - Lookout / as George Widener, 1st Class Passenger / as Carlson / as Stoker / as 3rd Class Passenger
Michael Pfeffercorn as CAPTAIN E. J. SMITH - Captain
JJ Wunderley as J. BRUCE ISMAY - Owner
Ameer Miller as CHARLES CLARKE as Steward (Launching) / as 2nd Class Passenger / as 1st Class Passenger (L.R.) / as Officer Boxhall/Bell
Corry Sanders as ISIDOR STRAUSS - 1st Class Passenger / Doubles as Officers Hitchens and as a 3rd Class Passenger (in Lady’s Maid)
Devin VanRiper   as OFFICER HITCHENS / Steward (Launching) / as Mr. Bell / as Latimer / as 1st Class Passenger
Phoenix Funk as HENRY ETCHES - 1st Class Steward / Officer Pitman
Anya Bakaturski as FIRST OFFICER MURDOCH
Maggie Badstibner as OFFICER LIGHTOLLER / as J.J. Astor, 1st Class Passenger / as 3rd Class Passenger (L.M.)
Bowie Koisor as BELLBOY / Waiter twice (1st and 3rd Class) /  Stoker
Cooper Kuchma as BAND LEADER HARTLEY WALLACE
Brody Seaberg as JOHN B THAYER
Ben Seaberg as  JACK THAYER

PASSENGERS: Alexander Bowling, Jacob Cherepko, Evan Morgan

Female Roles

Riley Sheposh as ALICE BEANE - 2nd Class Passenger / 3rd Class Passenger
Brooklyn Donelson  as CAROLINE NEVILLE - 2nd Class Passenger / Stewardess
Gianna Sotereanos as KATE McGOWAN - 3rd Class Passenger / Stewardess
Reagan Sheposh as KATE MURPHY - 3rd Class Passenger / Stewardess / DaMico
Liz Nemes as KATE MULLINS - 3rd Class Passenger / Stewardess
Ashley Slagle  as IDA STRAUSS - 1st Class Passenger / 3rd Class Passenger
Charlee Dowling as MRS. THAYER - 1st Class Passenger / Stewardess
Kaitlyn Brush as CHARLOTTE DRAKE CARDOZA - 1st Class Passenger /Stewardess
Cimone Scruggs as MRS. WIDENER - 1st Class Passenger / Stewardess
Myasiah Rowland as MADELINE ASTOR - 1st Class Passenger / Stewardess

Stewardesses/Passengers

Mariah Becker
Ellie Branca
Rasheena Carson
Lily Cleary
Madeline Florenz
Kendahl Frederick
Jaidah Graham
Jalesa Griffin
Taylor Lewis
Noelle Lloyd
Chloe Lochinski
QuaMya Stringer

Orchestra

Sarah Persin, conductor

Student Musicians

Makenna Strok, violin
Ivanka Krol, violin
Ava Dixon, violin
Olivia Pryzbyla, violin
Kaydence Inks, viola
Madilyn Yniguez, viola
Miley Brown, viola
Cooper Kuchma, cello
Treyvon Bowling, bass
Marissa Alberts, cello

Professional Musicians

Aaron Blackham, violin
Tina Wos, violin
Stephen Weiss, viola
Keith Parton, percussion
Michael Zak, piano

Crew

Marek Krol
Lilly Crouch
David Denardo
Madison Martino

Staff

Director/Choreographer: Erin Seaberg
Producer/Pit Director: Sarah Persin
Producer: Tracy Light
Vocal Director: Beth Eger
Costumer: Olivia Hartle
Set Design: John Kiska
Lighting: John Light
Sound: Jason Light
Fly Man: Milan Kiska
Stage Manager: Martell Fontaine
Set Construction Lead: Steve Tomkowitz
Set Construction Crew: John Light, Milan Kiska, Martell Fontaine, Shane Snyder, John Kiska

Originally published April 01, 2025.

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