The much-anticipated time has once again arrived for all those involved in musical theater at De Soto High School as auditions for the winter musical began this week.

The musical is the George and Ira Gershwin show Crazy For You. This musical is full of jazzy numbers such as I’ve Got Music and They Can’t Take That Away From Me.

Many of the students are excited to be involved in this upbeat show.

“I am looking forward to the upbeat musical we have planned this year. I have heard there are a lot of dance parts and parts for other people that can participate and there should be a big exciting cast,” said senior Mackenzie Mathern, who has been involved with the musical her past three years.

With so much anticipation the directors are once again busy with preparations. Drama teacher Erin Purifoy will be the director with choral teacher Mary Etta Copeland as music director and band teacher Matt Bradford as pit band director.

The directors are working toward a wonderful show. They have high goals and expectations for the students involved.

“My goals and expectations are to be able to do a show that is challenging but fun,” Purifoy said. “It’s got a lot of comedy; it makes fun of other musicals. There’s some challenging dance that is in it. There’s challenging music cause it’s Gershwin.”

Their choice of musical also had a lot to do with the students involved.

“We were trying to come up with a show that would highlight the juniors and seniors who have been with the program for a while and who I know are ready to take that step up into something more challenging,” Purifoy explained.

After auditions are held Sept 3 and 4, rehearsals are expected to begin Monday, Sept 9. During this time, the cast and crew will be working hard to prepare a show that is scheduled to hit the stage on Nov. 13-16.