Spooktacular aims to delight
Halloween fans who are looking for a classically good time need look no further than Russellville Middle School’s 9th annual Spooktacular.
In the past the fall performance has had fun themes like ’50s and rock, but Oct. 19 spectators can look forward to a classic, spooky Halloween show at Russellville High School Auditorium.
Instructors Emily Rush and Patrice Smith direct the performing arts program for Russellville City Schools, and they’ve changed it up a little bit this year.
“This is the first year that our sixth graders have had to audition,” Rush said.
She explained the middle school programming has previously focused on the seventh and eighth graders, but they have slowly incorporated the sixth graders, and the program has just grown over the years.
Attendees can expect to hear pop songs like “Superstition” and classic movie tunes like “Ghostbusters” at this year’s Spooktacular, but the highlight of the show that everyone looks forward to is “Thriller,” Rush said.
When asked what their favorite part of the show is, performers Grace McDermitt, Mattie Green and Kaitlyn Balding automatically chimed “Thriller.”
“It’s become a tradition. They know if they take the class, they’re going to learn ‘Thriller,’” Rush said.
This is the first program of the 2017-18 school year, and Rush said students have worked hard and made an effort to overachieve.
“I would recommend it to anyone. It’s so much fun,” eighth grader Jaben Wilcoxson said.
