Preview: West Mifflin High School rehearsing 'Smile'

WEST MIFFLIN, Pa.,None — West Mifflin High School will perform “Smile” this spring.

“The show is about a high school beauty pageant. We have a large amount of talented girls that we wanted to feature, and this show suited us perfectly,” said director Michelle Mervos.

The director of three years said she enjoys watching the students evolve from members of the chorus to leads.

“It is every girls dream to be in a pageant, so this musical is perfect,” said lead Stephanie Hall.

While Hall’s role of Robin Gibson is fun, it’s also challenging.  She said the tough part is playing a shy character when she’s outgoing in real life.

Andrew Butko’s character is a little more outgoing.  He’s playing Big Bob Freelander, an optimistic, good guy. Butko enjoys the role and working with the talented cast.

“Some of my best friends are part of the cast and that makes it a lot of fun,” says Butko.

“Smile” has some local ties. Marvin Hamlisch, the current Pittsburgh Pops director, wrote the music for the show.

“Smile” runs March 16, 17 and 18.

WPXI