MHS theatre department celebrates Spoonies and Seniors

After performing two successful shows, “Mouse Trap” and “Newsies,” Morgan High School Theatre Department performed one last time. The third-trimester production class performed “Footloose: The Morgan Experience.” Loosely based on the stage production “Footloose,” students wrote, auditioned for parts, cast the show and directed the story that incorporated Morgan culture into the story. 

After performing the satire for family and friends, awards known as the Spoonies were awarded. Spoonies started five years ago after students watched a show during Dramacon with spoons in the tile that some enjoyed and some did not. The Spoonies are awards that reflect each cast member's personality while participating in either the play or the musical of that year.

Once the Spoonies were awarded, Jennifer Fritz, director and drama teacher at MHS, thanked the outgoing theatre council for all their hard work: Jenna Windley, president; Brickman Walker and Spencer Birt, vice presidents; Carter Field, marketing manager; Simon Bott, recruitment officer; Harrison Farmer, tech president; Tage Wilkerson, Shannon Kobe and Ashlyn Turner, dance captains.

She then introduced the incoming Theatre Council: Ashlyn Turner and Caden Standing as co-presidents; Aly Spagnuolo, vice president; Shannon Kobe, secretary; Kasha Carptenter, marketing manager; Mara Lewis and Amberlee Dorrity, dance captians; Mcedge Dorius and London Elmer, assistant dance captian; Mckell Phillips, Hailey Holding, Wilbur Ghram and Claire Adams lead stage managers; Jordan Robinson, tech president and BJ Hone, assistant tech pres. 

For the first time in Fritz’s time teaching at MHS, two senior students, Simon Bott and Jayden Limb were awarded Academic All-State in theatre. 

Since the conception of the Spoonies, the finale of the awards show has been to honor the seniors in a video tribute where they talk about their time in theatre. Seventeen seniors graduated from the MHS Theatre Department. Fritz came to the high school at the start of their freshman year. She commented that it is hard letting these students go after being with them through their four years of high school. 

The shows that were performed throughout their four years were “Bye Bye Birdie,” freshman year; “Freaky Friday,” sophomore year; “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” along with the straight play, “You Can’t Take It With You,” junior year. Finally during their senior year, straight play “Mousetrap” concluding with“Newsies.”

Harrison Farmer grew up in Mountain Green attending Mountain Green Elementary School, Morgan Middle School and Morgan High School. 

Harrison has been the Stage Manager at MHS since he was a freshman. Being involved with all seven productions. He was also involved with “Peter and the Star-Catchers,” which was never performed because of COVID.

“It has been so much fun,” commented Harrison. “Being the Stage Manager, I have learned more about leadership and communicating than any regular actor would. I have been able to grow my skills and make some amazing friendships.”

After high school, Harrison plans to attend Weber State University to study Criminal Justice and Political Science with plans to go into the career field of Law Enforcement focusing on Patrol, Traffic, and Narcotics. 

In his spare time, he enjoys watching “True Crime” shows or shows that have to do with the organ. “My love for crime and organ music is pretty similar.”

Simon Bott grew up in Morgan attending all three schools in Morgan. Bott became involved in theatre his sophomore year of high school being in every show since “Freaky Friday.” 

“It has been life-changing for me,” said Simon. “My confidence has grown significantly and I have made so many amazing friends. Simon said he has had a lot of incredible experiences because of theater. The most notable moments he said were when he was able to perform at the Utah High School Musical Theatre Awards as a finalist, first during his junior year as a cameo finalist with the other brothers in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," then again in his senior year as a finalist nominated as supporting actor for his role as Cruchie in “Newsies.”

After high school, Simon plans to attend WSU and then serve a mission.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing card games, drawing and swimming.

Jenna Windley has spent the last 14 years in Mountain Green. She attended MGES, MMS and MHS.

Jenna’s parents always took her and her sister to musicals growing up. When she was in the seventh grade, she had the opportunity to work behind the scenes a little bit during MHS’ production of “Footloose.” It was during this time she knew she wanted to be on stage as well. During her eighth grade year, she was in MHS’ production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.” She has performed in all the musicals and in “Mousetrap.”

“Theatre taught me so many lessons about life, on and off the stage,” said Jenna. “It isn’t always easy, but nothing in life ever is. Theatre takes us out of our comfort zones. Theatre is taxing physically, emotionally, and mentally. Yet, it produces a better disciplined, strong, compassionate, and inclusive individual.” 

As the department’s President, Jenna said she has become less selfish, found the good in everyone, and took joy in seeing others succeed.

After high school, Jenna plans to attend Utah Valley University this fall, majoring in Public Relations. She also plans to serve a mission in the fall of 2024.

In her spare time, Jenna loves being with friends and family, singing, hiking, and golfing.

Jayden Pierce grew up in Morgan where he also attended the three schools in Morgan.

Jayden performed in the musicals during junior and senior years. “My experience in theater has been great!” exclaimed Jayden. “I've learned a lot of new skills, made lots of great friends, and made some unforgettable memories!”

Jayden will start serving a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in São Paulo, Brazil speaking Portuguese on July 3. Following his mission he plans on attending the University of Utah.

In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing his guitar and singing, camping, traveling, sleeping, working and preparing for his mission. 

Sage Felt was born in Utah; however, her family moved to Montana and then Calgary, Canada before moving back to Utah. When she lived in Montana she participated in the play “Pied Piper” in first grade and discovered how much she loved to perform. Sage performed in the musical all four years along with being in “Mousetrap.”

“I believe a lot of people would be more likely to be in theater if they were introduced to it in elementary school instead of middle school,” said Sage. “I am really glad that I was introduced to theater in first grade. I really love acting and am glad I could experience high school theatre”

Sage plans to attend WSU this fall,

In her spare time, she enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Samuel Nickerson grew up in Morgan. He attended MGES, MMS and MHS. He became involved in theatre when he helped tech “Joseph” in his eighth-grade year and went on to tech many shows in his four years at MHS.

“It was an amazing experience,” said Sam. “I got to meet so many people and we became a family after being together for four years.”

Sam plans to attend Utah State University and study Aviation.

He enjoys flying planes and hanging out with friends.

Paitlee Dorius grew up in Mountain Green where she attended MGES MMS and MHS.

She was involved in the musicals during her freshman, junior and senior years at MHS.

“The theater department was such a fun environment that invited all individuals with different talents to join,” said Paitlee 

After high school, she plans on working and then serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

In her spare time, Paitlee enjoys spending time with her family and being outside.

Austin Barlow has resided in Mountain Green for the past 15 years. He attended MGES, MMS and MHS. Austin was involved in theatre since his freshman year and has been in all four musicals. 

“I have always possessed an innate passion for acting,” said Austin, “However, it was not until high school that I received opportunities to engage in theatrical pursuits. Throughout these four years, I have developed a profound appreciation for the art of musical acting and performance. Consequently, my skills as an actor and singer have significantly matured, and I cherish the growth I have experienced through my involvement in theatre.”

After graduation, Austin plans to attend Utah Tech University in St. George to study digital film.

In his spare time, Austin enjoys filmmaking, and graphic design. “Currently, I am in the process of constructing a film studio named APlus Studios, wherein I have undertaken all responsibilities pertaining to graphic design and the creation of video advertisements.”

Payton Hatt grew up in Morgan, attending the three schools in Morgan. He joined the MHS theatre department his junior year where he, with the rest of the brothers in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” received a cameo finalist nomination through UHMTA. After his stellar of Jack in “Newsies” during his senior year, Payton received a nomination for best actor. He also performed in “Mouse Trap.”

“I have loved being in the shows and wished I would have done it earlier.” 

After graduation, he will be serving a mission to McAllen, Texas.

Ethan Christensen grew up in Morgan where he also attended all three Morgan schools. He became involved in MHS theatre during his junior year doing the musical that year and his senior year. He also performed in “Mouse Trap.”

 “It was honestly a little scary at first, not knowing anyone and worrying about how I would do on stage, said Ethan. “But after I put those worries to the side the rest came pretty easy. The people in the theatre department are some of the most caring and generous people I have ever met.” 

 After high school, Ethan plans to attend WSU to major in musical theatre.

 In his spare time, he loves hanging out with friends and just kind of messing around. “They mean the world to me.”

Robert Brickman Walker, known to everyone as Brickman, grew up in Morgan attending the three schools.

Brickman became involved with MHS theatre during his freshman year. He has been in every musical and play in his four years at MHS. He also received a cameo nomination as a brother in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”

“I have loved being a part of theater,” said Brickman. “I have been in plays all of my high school career. Many of which have become core memories that I can cherish the rest of my life. I have created lifelong friendships through these plays.”

Brickman’s plans after high school are to go on a mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in Pretoria, South Africa. After his mission, he plans to study biomedical engineering, professionalizing in prosthetics.  

In his spare time, he loves to fish and hunt. “Being in the outdoors is my favorite thing to do!” 

Additional seniors are Carter Field who has been apart of MHS theatre since his junior year performing in both plays and “Newsies”. Brianne Ashton and Spencer Dearden have been an important part of the technical crew all four years. Savannah Larsen has been in two musicals since her junior year; however, she has worked tech all four years. Jayden Limb performed her senior year in “Newsies.” Spencer Birt has been part of MHS theatre all four years of high school, being in all the musicals and plays. Sophia Larsen joined her junior year being in two musicals. Tage Wilkerson while only a junior was considered an honorary senior as he graduated early. He was in all the MHS productions since “Freaky Friday.” λ