Advisor: Mr. Pomietlarz
The Amherst Operetta Association has produced Amherst High School's annual musical production since 1950. It is among the oldest high school musical theatre programs in Western New York.
The "Operetta" is open to all students at ACHS, though every student must audition so as to assess their singing, acting, and movement abilities. Peripheral responsibilities include playing in the all-student pit orchestra, sound, lighting, stage and set crew, and make-up and costume staff. There truly is a job for everyone - even if you are not a "stage" person, come be a part of the show by simply attending. No performance is complete without an audience.
Operetta auditions generally occur after Thanksgiving. The rehearsal process begins at the end of December, and continues M-F 3:30 - 6:30, Saturdays from 10 - 2. There are five performances the first or second week in February. Following the Saturday evening production, we celebrate our efforts with a dance on stage, followed by a catered cast party with awards.
Productions:
2023: Seussical: The Musical (Kenny Award Finalist)
2022: Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Kenny Award Finalist; Winner "Outstanding Choral Performance," Winner "Best Dramatic Performance," Winner "Best actor in a Male Supporting Role"
2021: Strawberry Fields (One Act Opera)
2020: TITANIC: the Musical (Kenny Award Finalist) 2019: 42nd Street
2018: Phantom of the Opera
2017: Beauty and the Beast
2016: Grease
2015: Guys and Dolls
2014: Bye Bye Birdie
2013: Les Miserables
2012: Oklahoma
2011: Urinetown: the Musical
2010: Leader of the Pack: the Ellie Greenwich Musical
2009: The Boyfriend
2008: Into the Woods (Kenny Award Finalist, Winner: Best Supporting Actress, Rachel Zimmer as Red Riding Hood)
2007: Seussical: the Musical
2006: Damn Yankees (Kenny Award Finalist)
2005: The Wizard of Oz
2004: Once On This Island
2003: Anything Goes
2002: Bye Bye, Birdie
2001: Hello Dolly
2000: Fiddler on the Roof
1951: The Mikado
1950: H.M.S. Pinafore