HELOTES, Texas — The show must go on. But for some O'Connor High School theatre students, it comes at the cost of skipping senior prom.
For the first time in school history, O'Connor High School Theatre is going to state for its one-act play. However, the UIL state competition is Saturday in Austin—the same night as prom.
Seniors Payton Cottrill and Liam Meister, along with the rest of the students, have been putting in work.
"We have been working on this for months and months," Cottrill said. "And it has been blood, sweat and tears."
The work that's gone into their one-act play "Amadeus" seems to paying off. Head Theatre Director Michael Arellano recalled the euphoria from when they found out they made it to state.
"When we were there at regionals and they called our name... it just felt unreal,” he said.
This group is making history for O'Connor High School. Meister, who plays the lead in "Amadeus," talked about the state competition.
"We are competing with the top eight schools in the state," he said. "It is kind of like the Olympics. As long as you are there, that is the prize."
The play is about composer Antonio Salieri and his rival Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the iconic Classical era musician.
"The main person is jealous of Mozart," Arellano said. "He is really toxic and kind of like the villain. What he actually wants is to be legendary and remembered."
Arellano said it's also a story about living in the present.
"I think the show is fantastic," he said.
As for the UIL competition Saturday, it which means the curtain closed on their prom before it could even be raised.
"Our senior prom is this Saturday at the exact same time," Cottrill said. "It is a little bit upsetting, sure, because it is one of those nights you want to remember for the rest of your life as a high schooler. But, at the same time, making it state in UIL theater is really cool."
Arellano said there are up to 13 seniors in the group and all are planning to miss prom for the big stage. There is one student hoping to make it back.
As for looking ahead to Saturday, the group is confident.
"We are somewhat confident going into it," Meister said. "And it is a beautiful show."
"I think if we are last place, we are still the best in the state," Arellano added. "And if we are first place we are still the best.
The group plans to have a banquet and is hoping to go big this year since they're missing prom. They are raising funds for the event.
Also on Monday, they invite everyone to see the play at O'Connor. If you are interested in purchasing tickets, click here.