by Sam Farrell ’12

Music teacher Bill Evans will take over this year as the primary director of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Rock ‘n’ Roll, a well-known traditional production, shakes up its set list with hit songs from more recent decades.

With the retirement of physical education teacher and Rock ‘n’ Roll director, Eugene Orndorff, music director Bill Evans will take over this year as the show’s only director. Daughter of Orndorff and former dance choreographer, Laura Orndorff, also departed last spring, making way for Afiba Edwards and Anette Kaufman, both Sherwood alumni from the Class of 1999, to take over as the new choreographers.

“Mr. Orndorff and I had been co-producers for 30 years, so now instead of two producers/directors there is one,” said Evans. “Orndorff’s key job was set and stage directing, which is a position I’m still hiring for.”

In his first year as the sole director, Evans has decided to do something memorable for both him and the cast that will shake up what has been done at Rock ‘n’ Roll for the past 40 years.

Evans plans to integrate songs from the 21st century into Rock ‘n’ Roll 41. In the past, selections of songs came from previous decades. “The past 40 years they have only used music from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s,” said senior vocal soloist Gabby Simala. “But to freshen up the show this year they are adding contemporary songs by artists like Adele and Britney Spears, which will hopefully make the show more interesting and appealing to all ages.”

Edwards and Kaufman will direct and design the dance routines this year and plan to choreograph an exciting new show. Senior Joey Quinn, who has danced in Rock ‘n’ Roll for three years, is excited for the face lift.

“This year we will be working with our new dance directors, who have a lot of experience in dancing outside of Rock ‘n’ Roll in shows like Cirque de Soleil … From what I’ve seen, they are going to shake up the show with fast paced, energetic dance moves and a new vision for the show,” said Quinn.

Senior vocal soloist and dancer, Jon Burnsky, is also excited to turn the page of Rock ‘n’ Roll and start with new material. “This whole new look has gotten everyone involved really excited. We’re all so used to playing old doo-wop songs and The Beatles and such that everyone involved is really pumped to play songs from our time era,” he said.

Although many are saddened by the retirement of Orndorff, they are also hopeful that Evans will change the face of Rock ‘n’ Roll and direct a show that will be remembered for years to come. “In life, the only constant is change, and so it is for Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival,” said Evans.

“Trying out for Rock ‘n’ Roll last year was one of the best decisions I’ve made in high school. Being part of the RnR tradition and performing so many cool songs with so many cool, talented people was definitely a highlight of my year,” said senior soloist Matt Abrams. “Now if you add the new changes coming this year to the show, I can’t wait to see how it will turn out.”